Iowa women’s basketball sophomore guard Emely Rodriguez spoke with the media following summer practice on Tuesday, discussing her experience as a member of the Hawkeyes so far and how she sees herself fitting into the roster.
The 6-foot guard from the Dominican Republic spent her freshman season at UCF before joining the Hawkeyes through the transfer portal on May 19.
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With the Knights, Rodriguez averaged 11.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 40.9% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range, and 75.3% from the free-throw line in 25 games played.
A member of the All-Big 12 Freshman Team, Rodriguez notched 16 double-figure scoring games, including a career-high 21 points against Iowa State on Feb. 25. She also registered a double-double against Montana State and collected five or more rebounds in 17 contests.
Now, having experienced her first few practices with the Hawkeyes this summer in Iowa City, Rodriguez said that while she is a natural small forward, she is willing to play wherever the Iowa coaching staff needs her for the team to be successful.
“I mean, it’s early in the summer, but we just kind of see when everybody is going to play and stuff. I’m a natural 3, and I can play various positions, not just the 3. I think whenever coach needs me to play, I’ll be ready to play,” Rodriguez said.
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When asked how she would define her playing style to Hawkeye fans, Rodriguez described herself as a multi-positional player who can be used wherever head coach Jan Jensen may need her.
“I would say I’m a versatile player. I can do a lot on the court. I think just anything, like I said, anything the coach needs me to do, I’ll do it. So I would say being a versatile player,” Rodriguez said.
With the Hawkeyes continuing their summer preparation for the 2025-26 campaign in early November, the excitement among fans will only increase as the season approaches.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Emely Rodriguez ready to bring versatility to Iowa women’s basketball
