Jan. 11, 2005
University of Iowa Head Women’s Basketball Coach Lisa Bluder today announced that junior point guard Lindsay Richards will redshirt this season.
“Lindsay has decided to take the redshirt this year,” said Bluder. “I think it’s a great decision. For us to have her healthy for two full years will be a great benefit to our program.”
The junior has recovered and has been participating in practices.
“In the back of my mind I made my decision a couple of weeks ago, but I wanted to make sure I took everything into consideration,” commented Richards. “There’s a big difference between being able to participate and being able to compete. At this time I don’t feel I’m at the level I need to be at.”
Richards underwent successful surgery on July 7 to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee. The native of Barrington, IL, sustained the injury during practice with the Big Ten All-Stars before the team left for Australia in June, 2004. This was the second time in as many years she underwent surgery to repair a damaged ACL in her right knee. Richards’ first ACL injury came in a home game against Denver on December 12, 2002.
Richards started all 29 games for the Hawkeyes last year. She ranked fifth on the team in scoring (5.4 ppg) and free throw percentage (39-51, .765), second in assists (85) and fourth in steals (27). Her 2.93 assists average ranked 11th in the Big Ten. Richards was also an academic all-Big Ten selection last year.
Before injuring her knee as a freshman, she played in eight games as a reserve, averaging 4.5 ppg, 1.6 rpg and dishing out 29 assists. Richards will not receive a medical redshirt for her freshman season.
No. 21 Iowa (13-2, 2-2) travels to Columbus, Ohio, Thursday to face No. 5 Ohio State (14-2, 2-1). Tip-off is slated for 6:05 p.m. (CST) in Value City Arena.