Richards Won’t Return Next Season For The Ducks

Richards, a 6-3 post from Seymour, Australia, led Oregon with 10.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game last season, and shot 90.9 percent from the free throw line to lead the Pac-10.

Photo courtesy: goducks.com

EUGENE - University of Oregon women’s basketball coach Bev Smith has announced that junior center Gabrielle Richards will not be returning to the Ducks for the upcoming season due to personal reasons.

“Gabe's decision has taken us by surprise and we are disappointed that she will not be able to return to our team,” Smith said. “However, at this time it is best for Gabe's well being that she remains in Australia with her family. We will miss Gabe both on and off the floor, but our team supports her decision and wishes her the very best.”

The Ducks, who return seven letterwinners from last year's squad, open the 2006-07 regular season Nov. 17 at UC Santa Barbara.

Statement from Gabrielle Richards:

“My decision not to return to the University of Oregon is a result of personal reasons and a wish to remain at home in Australia with my family.

My need for change has created a difficult situation that has forced me to reset my goals.

I am saddened and disappointed not to be able to join my coaches and teammates for this upcoming season. For the past two years, my coaches have been a source of support and guidance for me, and my teammates have been like family.

I am so very grateful of the opportunity I have had to be a part of the women’s basketball program at Oregon for the last two years, and I thank the community of Eugene for the tremendous support they have shown both for myself and our program.”

Bev'a job just got a lot harder.

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