Iowa Women's Basketball lands UCF transfer small forward Emely Rodriguez
The Hawkeyes have landed a transfer from the Big 12. UCF small forward Emely Rodriguez has her commitment to Iowa out of the portal. The 6-foot-0 incoming sophomore was a Big 12 All-Freshman Team selection for the Knights last season. Rodriguez spent one season with the UCF program and has three years of eligibility remaining. With the commitment, the Hawkeyes now have just one roster spot available for the 2025-26 season.
“We are thrilled to add Emely to our team because she is a skilled, versatile and strong guard that can score on every level and has a great defensive presence,” said head coach Jan Jensen in a release from the athletic department. “Her versatility will also give us increased depth, and our fans will enjoy watching her skill set. We are so excited for her to be a Hawkeye.”
LINK: PORTAL TARGET BREAKDOWN: UCF guard Emely Rodriguez
Originally from La Romana, Dominican Republic, Rodriguez started her high school career at Horeb Christian in Florida, before finishing her career at Central Pointe Academy in Kissimmee, FL. As a senior at CPA, Rodriguez averaged 26.5 points, 15.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game, while being named Miami-Dade County Girl’s Basketball Player of the Year. Despite not being ranked by most recruiting services, she chose UCF over offers from South Carolina, UConn, Arizona and Florida State.
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As a true freshman at UCF, Rodriguez appeared in 25 games, with 19 starts, averaging 11.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game, earning Big 12 All-Freshman Team honors. She scored in double figures in 16 games, including a season-high 21 points against Iowa State. Also, a capable rebounder, Rodriguez pulled down 6+ rebounds in ten games, including a season-high 12 rebounds against Montana. She shot 40.9% from the floor, 33.3% from three-point range and 75.3% from the free-throw line.
It will be interesting to see how the lineup/rotation shakes out for Jan Jensen heading into her second season as head coach of the Hawkeyes. However, it feels like one transfer will be in the starting lineup and one will come off the bench. If Georgia Tech transfer point guard Chit-Chat Wright is the day one starter, with freshman Addie Deal playing an off-ball guard position, Rodriguez will likely come off the bench. But if Addie Deal is the day one starter at point guard, Rodriguez could be in the starting lineup at the small forward position.
