Women’s basketball: Hamlin playing overseas
JoAnn Hamlin watches a game during the 2009-10 season.
Former Iowa women’s basketball player JoAnn Hamlin will get to play at least one more season after all.
Hamlin, who was denied a medical redshirt this summer, left the country to play professional women’s basketball in Switzerland.
“I started playing with the Iowa girls early in the summer and I just realized how much fun it was,” Hamlin said. “I could still do it; I really like playing, so I had nothing to lose.
“As long as my body will let me, I might as well play.”
The 6-foot-3 post missed her entire senior season after having surgery to remove blood clots in her leg. The blood clots were a potentially life-threatening condition, and Hamlin had to go on a regimen of blood thinners.
But Hamlin got clearance to play again in May and eased herself back into game shape over the next few months.
“My doctor told me you know what it feels like, you know the symptoms,” Hamlin said. “If you feel anything wrong, err on the side of safety.
“So I eased myself back into it. I wanted to see how well my body could still take that beating.”
Hamlin hired an agent who posted her stats and videos from her junior year, and the offers came in.
The Douglass, Kan., native graduated with a degree in health and sports studies. Her career path is on hold while she plays overseas for the next seven months.
“My family was all pretty excited for me,” Hamlin said. “They are nervous about me being over there, but its kind of a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Reach Ryan Suchomel at 339-7368 or rsuchomel@press-citizen.com.
Category: Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball
[...] permalink Originally Posted by Three4Cy She is going to come in and be the back up to Wahlin for a year, then take over. She sees immediate playing time. They like to play Printy at the 2, so she will slip in at PG. Looking at her final schools, with the class Stanford has signed, doesn't surprise me she didn't go there, Cal has had some good classes, just never produced, KU, hasn't been a factor in the B12 for 10 years, and DePaul, you're always going to be in the middle of the pack in the Big East. On another note, notice JoAnne Hamblin is not on the current Iowa roster, wonder if she decided not to go for another year of eligibility, or they are waiting on the NCAA to decide. Hamlin's appeal was denied. She's playing overseas. Women’s basketball: Hamlin playing overseas | Hawk Central [...]
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Good Luck Jo. Wish you could be here for another year at Iowa but I’m also glad you’re getting an opportunity to continue to play, travel and see the world.
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