Roneeka Hodges has decided to transfer from the LSU women’s basketball team, according to LSU coach Sue Gunter.
Hodges, a 5-foot-11 junior guard who has been with the team for three years, has not yet chosen a school to switch to, but the University gave her an unconditional release to attend any school she wants. Hodges, who came out of O.P. Walker High School in New Orleans, will have to sit out a year and will have one year of eligibility remaining at her new school.
“That’s a decision she thinks is best for her,” Gunter said. “You hate to lose a player the caliber of Roneeka. She’s made huge contributions to the program over the past three seasons.”
Hodges started 27 games and averaged 8.9 points for LSU in 2002, when the team was decimated with injuries. In her freshman season, Hodges averaged 8.1 points in 30 games.
Hodges served more of a backup role this season for the Tigers, averaged 4.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in 34 games. LSU finished 30-4 before losing to Texas in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. She mainly came off the bench for either freshman Seimone Augustus or her twin sister, Doneeka Hodges.
“She doesn’t have a bad attitude about it or any animosity toward the situation,” Gunter said. “She just wasn’t getting the minutes, and she wanted to go somewhere she could get more playing time.”
Gunter said the team will help Hodges in all her future endeavors. Gunter thinks sitting out a year will give Hodges a chance to clear her mind and gain confidence before playing again.
Hodges played in 94 career games for LSU and started in 38. She was named 2001 Honorable Mention Freshman All-American by Womenscollegehoops.com.