Doyin and Shola Richards, identical twins and forwards on the men's basketball team, have been sidelined because of a congenital heart condition.
The problem surfaced during a January practice session when Doyin suffered a fainting spell. Subsequent tests revealed the heart problem. Shola underwent similar examinations a couple of days later.
“Until Doyin fainted, no symptoms were ever spotted in either brother, and they've had this condition since birth,” said Cheryl Rockwood, the College's head trainer. “While they will have to be checked periodically the rest of their lives, the condition is not expected to prevent them from leading normal lives.”
Basketball Coach Bill Scanlon said he feels badly for Doyin and Shola because he knows how much they love the game. “Fortunately, the problem was discovered and can be dealt with. Both are doing fine but it is in their best medical interest not to participate in athletics. Their contributions to the team will be missed both on and off the court.”
Starters for most of this season, Doyin led the Dutchmen in rebounding and was second in scoring while Shola was fifth in scoring and second in rebounding. Both are juniors.