Monday, September 26, 2011

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Former JU women’s basketball standout Taneskei Richardson will not have to put away her hoops sneakers quite yet as she signed a professional contract to play for the HyPo Koris (Hyvinkaa Ponteva) in Finland.

Richardson becomes the second Dolphin to play professionally overseas, joining Kat Sungy (1999-03) who was a member of the Dublin-based Tolka Rovers in the Irish Basketball Association during the 2003-04 season.

“We are so proud of Taneskei,” JU head coach Jill Dunn said. “She had a strong showing her senior season and was determined to accomplish her personal goal of signing a contract to go overseas. This is a great accomplishment for her and our program.”

The former Robert E. Lee High School product finished her three-year career ranked fifth all-time in field percentage (.445) and rebounds (572). Last season, she passed Kat Sungy (283, 2001-02) for the most rebounds in a single-season with 315 and shattered the offensive record with 124 boards, while placing fifth in blocks.

"I am very thankful for this opportunity," Richardson said. "I have always wanted to play pro basketball since a child.”

As a senior, Richardson led the Dolphins as a senior in scoring (11.1), field goal percentage (.460), rebounds (9.8) and blocks (43). She was also second in steals (48) and ranked third in assists (42). Richardson tallied 14 double-doubles, including hitting the feat 10 times in the final 17 contests en route to A-Sun all-tournament honors. Nationally, she finished the year ranked 27th in double-doubles and 32nd in rebounds.

"While playing at JU my favorite quote was ‘hard work pays off’," Richardson said. "I worked extremely hard last season by staying over the summer and doing extra workouts, such as lifting to become stronger, running, working on my shooting and footwork. The outcome from my work ethic and diligence was breaking a record at JU which helped me receive a contract to play pro basketball overseas. I am very blessed and appreciative for all the support given to me from the coaches, friends and family."

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The Atlantic Sun Conference is an NCAA Division I league with 10 member institutions committed to Building Winners for Life. The A-Sun meets the challenge of maintaining the highest standards in academic and athletic achievement with a true balance between student and athlete. Headquartered in Macon, Ga., the A-Sun boasts six of the top eight media markets in the Southeast. The A-Sun includes a blend of the most prestigious and dynamic private and public institutions in the region: Belmont University, East Tennessee State University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Jacksonville University, Kennesaw State University, Lipscomb University, Mercer University, University of North Florida, University of South Carolina Upstate and Stetson University.