Iowa women’s basketball team’s second season under head coach Jan Jensen has gotten off to a start that draws attention from all around the college basketball scene. Despite dealing with injuries to a number of important players, the Hawkeyes are an impressive 10-1 overall and 1-0 in Big Ten play after 11 games. Iowa’s only flaw occurred in last week’s eagerly awaited Cy-Hawk rivalry game against Iowa State, which was competitive but ultimately lost.
Beyond the record, the numbers show that the team is performing at a high level. Iowa is holding opponents to just 56.8 points per game, tied for 55th overall, while averaging 83.8 points per game, ranking 17th nationally. Due to the balance on both ends of the court, the team has a dominant average scoring margin of plus-27 points, ranking 18th in the nation. The fact that Iowa has maintained that caliber of play despite changing lineups and overcoming health setbacks is perhaps the most impressive. Despite missing several rotation players for extended periods of the early season, the Hawkeyes have appeared cohesive, self-assured, and more at ease as a team.
Reserve guard Emely Rodriguez has been sidelined due to a persistent back problem, while starting point guard Chit-Chat Wright missed time due to an upper-body injury. Teagan Mallegni was sidelined following a tonsil-related procedure, and Jada Gyamfi had to deal with a knee injury. Iowa has maintained its identity and rhythm in spite of that list. Wright and Mallegni returned to action during the Cy-Hawk game in Ames, giving the Hawkeyes a big boost. The roster was nearly full by the time Iowa faced Lindenwood, and the outcome reflected that. Iowa dominated the game from beginning to end and easily won.
However, a conspicuous absence on the bench created new concerns, even as the overwhelming victory itself attracted attention. Fans and the media alike soon started talking about Emely Rodriguez’s absence from the Lindenwood game. Due to her back problem, Rodriguez had previously been referred to as “day-to-day,” but her persistent absences and now her absence from the bench created a degree of uncertainty.
Kyle Huesmann of Hawkeye Report questioned Jan Jensen about Rodriguez’s availability after the game. Once more, Jensen referred to Rodriguez as “day-to-day.” Inquiring as to whether Rodriguez was still on the team, Huesmann followed up. Jensen’s reply was succinct and extremely circumspect.
“She is as of right now, yeah.”
The remark increased conjecture rather than allaying worries. Until then, everyone had assumed that Rodriguez was just dealing with a physical setback. However, Jensen’s wording implied that there might be more going on behind the scenes. For a team that has otherwise been on the rise, it would be a major development if Rodriguez has lost the coaching staff’s favor or if there are other factors at play. Given Iowa’s depth issues early in the season and the part Rodriguez was supposed to play as the year went on, her absence is particularly noteworthy.
Before a crucial weekend, Rodriguez’s status has not yet been clarified by any new information. At the Shark Beauty Women’s Classic Championship in New York, Iowa will play No. 1 UConn. This national-level game will put the Hawkeyes up against the best in the sport. Rodriguez would miss her fourth straight game if she does not show up. It’s unclear if her absence is due to a medical condition alone or something else.
Despite the doubts surrounding one of its rotation players, Jensen’s team is undoubtedly moving forward, accumulating victories and honing its identity. The Hawkeyes have shown they can adjust, but as the season progresses, it will be important to keep a close eye on Rodriguez’s situation as the competition gets more intense.
