Injury clouds Riddle’s pro future

Getting chosen for the random extra security check before boarding the plane at the Cleveland airport was the finishing touch to one of the worst weekends EeTisha Riddle has ever had to experience.

Riddle, supported by crutches, watched Saturday as airport security rummaged through her carry-on bag and allowed herself to be patted down.

“I’m not trying to be funny,” Riddle said, “but why would I have liquid in my shoes?”

The former center for the Missouri women’s basketball team was in Cleveland attending the WNBA Pre-Draft Camp. But before she even had a chance to show off her skills to coaches and general managers, Riddle injured her right knee and had to leave the camp early.

“They say my name is still on the board,” Riddle said, “but I doubt I will get drafted after something like that.”

Riddle’s draft status is unknown. Missouri coach Cindy Stein said earlier in the season that WNBA scouts were interested in Riddle and had attended some of her games. The impression the left-handed player made on the scouts during the season could still be enough to carry her through. But Riddle seemed pessimistic.

She said she had barely been on the court for 90 minutes when her team began two-on-two drills. About the third repetition, Riddle was hurt.

Riddle underwent an MRI right after the injury, and is now waiting for the swelling to go down before she receives a more accurate prognosis from a doctor.

Riddle said she was advised not to speak of the extent or type of injury, but she said she anticipates at least six to eight weeks of rehabilitation.

Her right knee was supposed to be her good knee, she said. She tore her left anterior cruciate ligament in high school. Even if she is drafted and the injury isn’t severe, Riddle said the mental game is going to be a rough one to play.

“It took a whole year to stop playing scared,” Riddle said about her first knee injury. “I played real scared. I didn’t drive to the lane at all.”

Playing in the WNBA is Riddle’s dream, even if she didn’t admit it too often to the media, fans or other players. This season, after two 31-point games, 12 double-doubles and impressive statistics, Riddle seemed to answer reporters’ questions with apathy during the season.

“The questions would come at the wrong time, and I didn’t want the focus on me,” Riddle said. “I just didn’t want the air in the locker room to be like, ‘She’s thinking about other things.’”

Riddle was adamant through the season that her personal performance meant nothing if the Tigers did not win. Riddle said she wanted everyone, fans, teammates and coaches, to understand she played for her team, not with the idea of saving herself for the possibility of professional basketball.

In a phone interview Sunday from her home in O’Fallon, Ill., Riddle’s voice was positive and strong, not wavering and quiet like it sometimes was after Missouri’s toughest losses this season.

“It’s a front,” Riddle admitted. “I’m making my mom sick. I can’t have all these people worried and stuff, so I just smile and joke around. When I get by myself, that’s when it all goes downhill.”

She said she doesn’t want people feeling sorry for her; pity is not something Riddle will accept.

Today, Riddle is once again an MU student. She said she will put her attention back on school work, which she said she has neglected with all of her recent travels for games. After all, graduation for Riddle will be May 12.

For now, the free WNBA gear will be left in a closet in O’Fallon. It’s too painful to think about that logo and it’s unsure possibilities. Riddle said the noon draft on Wednesday will be out of mind.

“I don’t think I’m going to watch it,” Riddle said. “I’ll just get mad. I’ll just go about my regular day, my school day. I’ll go to class and go back to sleep.”