Concussion has Wahlin questionable for Indiana

IOWA CITY - Kamille Wahlin wore a gray sweatshirt, blue jeans and a black eye to practice Tuesday.

The black eye was a visible sign of a nasty collision two days earlier, when she was stepped on and landed on while trying to draw a charge in Iowa's win over Michigan State.

But the shiner isn't the primary concern.

“My head still hurts and I still have a little bit of dizziness,” said Wahlin, the Hawkeyes' starting point guard. “But I'm doing a little better.”

Wahlin must make significant progress from the concussion to play Thursday, when the surging Hawkeyes (12-11 overall, 5-7 Big Ten) play at Indiana (13-10, 6-6).

“It's not looking really good right now,” said Iowa Coach Lisa Bluder. “She's still having symptoms. The deadline is (Wednesday afternoon).”

If Wahlin can't go, freshman Trisha Nesbitt will make her first career start against the Hoosiers.

“I have a lot of confidence in Trisha,” Wahlin said. “She's a quick learner. She's ready. Our freshmen have grown up alot this year.”

The original plan was for Nesbitt to walk on for a year, then become a scholarship player. She received a scholarship in April.

Now, maybe, she's a starter.

“Things work in weird ways,” Nesbitt said. “It's a great opportunity for me.”

Bluder said, “I feel like there's a reason that Trisha is here. I tried not to like her ... she's from Ames and everything ... but I watched her so much because she played with Jaime (Printy), and the way she played the game, I really liked.”

Nesbitt, who led Ames to the Class 4A state final last year, picked Iowa over Drake and Creighton.

“I knew Iowa was going to be the best fit for me,” she said.

“I know I have to get mentally prepared (for a possible start Thursday), but I know my team and my coaches are confident in me.”