Iowa State women's basketball guard Emily Ryan out indefinitely with 'health-related issue'
AMES – As the Iowa State women’s basketball team’s roster underwent a transformation during the offseason, the Cyclones could always take comfort that they were returning one of the top point guards in the nation, Emily Ryan.
But now, the Cyclones likely won’t even have her to start the season.
Just hours before the Cyclones were scheduled to play their first exhibition Wednesday, Iowa State announced that Ryan is out indefinitely as she continues to recover from a “health-related issue.” The statement went on to say that Ryan is receiving care from the Iowa State medical staff and is “working hard to get back on the court with her teammates.”
When, or if, she could return this season was not addressed. Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly was asked after Wednesday's game if he expected Ryan to return this season.
"I don't know what her situation is," Fennelly said. "We'll let the medical staff deal with it. I'd like to think that she's making progress, but that's all I can probably talk about with that."
Either way, it's a giant blow for the Cyclones, who were already leaning on Ryan’s experience and skill set. The senior has been a mainstay in Iowa State’s starting lineup ever since she got to Ames. She’s coming off a strong season that saw her average 10.6 points, 6.4 assists and 5.4 rebounds as a junior.
Ryan, a native of Claflin, Kansas, was one of the few contributors to remain at Iowa State following a tumultuous offseason that saw five players exit via the transfer portal. The Cyclones also lost star Ashley Joens, who departed for the WNBA. Post-player Stephanie Soares’ waiver request to play another season was denied by the NCAA.
That left Ryan among the few returnees with substantial experience. Her presence on the court was expected to play a key role for a young Iowa State team this season that was going to rely on some transfers and a promising freshman class.
Iowa State officially opens the regular season on Nov. 6 against Butler.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State WBB will likely start the season without guard Emily Ryan
