Ayodele’s Jersey To Be Displayed At Women’s Basketball Hall Of Fame
7/12/2023 3:23:00 PM | Women's Basketball
PITTSBURGH – Transfer forward Rapuluchi Ayodele earned a big recognition last week as the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) announced that her jersey from Indian River State College will be displayed in the Ring of Honor at the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, TN, in recognition of her stellar play during the 2022-23 campaign. Her jersey will be on display in Knoxville through May 2024.
"The Ring of Honor is an exhibit at the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame where we honor the nation's top players at every level," said Kelly Mathis, Director of Development for the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. "To have your jersey on display at the Hall of Fame is a huge privilege and we are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of these young women."
Last season, Ayodele was a force down low for Indian River State College as she appeared in games and averaged a double-double with 14.1 points and 14.1 rebounds per contest while also shooting 53.3% from the floor. She earned All-American honors for the second straight season as she was named to the NJCAA Second Team after notching a nation-leading 23 double-doubles on the year. She capped her impressive season scoring 20+ points six times while also snagging 20+ rebounds on four occasions. A dominant force offensively, Ayodele also led the team with 53 steals and 23 blocks on the defensive end of the court.
Across her successful career at the junior college ranks (89 games), Ayodele averaged a double-double with 12.9 points and 13.1 rebounds per game. She accumulated 1,145 career points and 1,164 career rebounds for three successful programs.
Currently, the Ring of Honor consists of over 100 jerseys hanging from the rafters of the back rotunda at the Hall of Fame. By acknowledging these young athletes, the Hall of Fame can fulfill their mission to "honor the past, celebrate the present, and promote the future" of women's basketball.
The display includes jerseys of the top high school and college players from the previous season. The Ring of Honor has displayed jerseys from some of the best players in the world including Candace Parker, Sue Bird, Kelsey Plum, Breanna Stewart, and Aja Wilson.
The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, which opened in 1999, is the only facility of its kind, dedicated to all levels of women's basketball. For more information on the Ring of Honor or the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame visit www.wbhof.com
