Northwestern basketball player found dead in her dorm room on campus

JORDAN Hankins, a 19-year-old sophomore basketball player for the Northwestern women's team, was found dead in her campus dorm room Monday. The cause of death is not yet known, but a university spokesman said that there was no evidence of foul play or "any danger or threat to other members of the Northwestern community."

"Jordan was a remarkably dynamic young woman," Wildcats Coach Joe McKeown said in a statement. "This is a devastating loss for our basketball family. She brought an unwavering intensity and commitment to everything in her life. We will miss her enormously."

Hankins, a 5-8 guard, was averaging 3.8 points in 11 games this season. She scored four points in eight minutes during Northwestern's most recent game, a 96-65 loss Saturday at Maryland. The Wildcats' next scheduled game, Wednesday at Minnesota, has been postponed indefinitely.

"We are heartbroken and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jordan Hankins," Northwestern's vice president for athletics, Jim Phillips, said in a statement. "Our love and thoughts are with her family, teammates and friends. Jordan made a dramatic impact on our Wildcats community. Our department is solely focused on supporting those who adored her."

The Cook County medical examiner's office is working to determine the cause of death, and Evanston police are investigating the death. In an email exchange with The Post, a Northwestern spokesman had no further comment on the matter beyond the school's previously released statements.

"She meant a lot to me," said Jared Hankins, the younger brother of Jordan Hankins who plays for her high school, Lawrence North in Indianapolis (via the Indianapolis Star). "She was my role model."

"She was a multifaceted, compassionate and extremely talented young woman," Lawrence North's coach, Chris Giffin, told the Star. "She was a wonderful student athlete and leader. Jordan had a huge heart and will be missed."