Former Iowa women's basketball guard picks transfer portal spot

TL;DR

Emely Rodriguez, a former Iowa women's basketball guard, has transferred to Syracuse Orange. She aims to contribute significantly after a challenging season limited by injury and suspension.

Key points

Emely Rodriguez transferred from Iowa to Syracuse
She faced a back injury and suspension at Iowa
Rodriguez averaged 7.2 points in six games

Emely RodriguezIowa HawkeyesSyracuse Orange

As the final member of Iowa women's basketball's five transfer portal entrants, guard Emely Rodriguez has officially made a decision on the next destination in her college basketball journey.

Rodriguez announced on Wednesday that she has signed with the Syracuse Orange.

"Emely will bring us instant offense," Syracuse head coach Felisha Legette-Jack said of adding Rodriguez. "She is a ferocious competitor that is willing to lay it on the line every day. I love Emely's intensity of purpose, passion, and defense! I am thrilled to get this HUGE YES in May! Orange Nation, please help me welcome Emely Rodriguez to our Orange Family."

In limited action to begin this past season, there were flashes of what Rodriguez could provide the Hawkeyes. However, a back injury and a reported suspension limited Rodriguez to just six games played, during which she averaged 7.2 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game on 42.5% shooting from the field, 14.3% from 3-point range, and 80% from the free-throw line.

Rodriguez entered the NCAA transfer portal after the season concluded.

Syracuse is coming off a 24-9 (12-6 ACC) campaign in which the program upset No. 8 seed Iowa State in the NCAA Tournament's first round. Rodriguez joins her third program in as many seasons and now becomes the fourth player that head coach Legette-Jack and her staff have signed out of the transfer portal this offseason, joining Sarah Rambus, Tyi Skinner, and Jaleesa Molina.

Depending on whether she can get a medical-hardship waiver approved by the NCAA for her time at Iowa, Rodriguez will have either two or three years of eligibility remaining.

Q&A

Why did Emely Rodriguez transfer from Iowa to Syracuse?

Emely Rodriguez transferred to Syracuse to continue her college basketball career after facing limited playing time at Iowa due to a back injury and suspension.

What were Emely Rodriguez's stats during her time at Iowa?

During her time at Iowa, Rodriguez played six games, averaging 7.2 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.

What impact is Emely Rodriguez expected to have at Syracuse?

Syracuse head coach Felisha Legette-Jack expects Rodriguez to bring instant offense and competitive intensity to the team.