DAVID EICKHOLT | Hawkeye Insider

TAMPA — Reserve wing Emely Rodriguez is back with the Iowa Women’s Basketball program, head coach Jan Jensen confirmed following Iowa’s 99-76 win over Penn State.  Rodriguez has missed Iowa’s last seven games and hasn’t played since Nov. 22 at the WBCA Showcase. She also didn’t appear on the bench throughout the past three games. Rodriguez was with the team at shoot around and was on the bench last night. 

“She’s back,” Jensen said. “We never announced (a suspension) ourselves, but we handled that internally. She’s back, and she’s battling a back (injury) that’s been chronic. So it’s a day-to-day situation.”

Eleven days ago, Talia Goodman reported that Rodriguez had been “suspended indefinitely” for a violation of team rules. This came after Jensen told the local media that Rodriguez was still part of the team ‘as of now.’  Rodriguez has appeared in six games, averaging 7.2 points and 2.0 rebounds per game, including a season-high 13 points against Southern in the season-opener.

Her ability to create her own shots combined with her positional versatility could be a proven weapon in Jensen’s system. Iowa has have to relied more on Journey Houston, Addie Deal and some of the younger players to step up during her absence.