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Within 38 days after recovery and rehab, Richards made it back onto the court notching four points, seven assists and two steals in a 67-62 victory over South Florida.

Richards called the recovery process \"an emotional roller coaster.\"

\"One day I could feel my toes and then the next day I couldn't feel them,\" she said. \"So it was just being able to kind of cope with [knowing] every day was subject to change -- and being able to keep a positive mindset through it all.\"

We see you, @Deauzya! Let it fly! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/XZLVH2yKxj

— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) May 2, 2021

Tomorrow the 22-year-old from Cypress, Texas, will lace up for the first time with the New York Liberty and join an elite list of professional women in the league's 25th season.

\"I think I can speak for all young kids, you have dreams and inspirations and mine was to be drafted,\" Richards said. \"Now being a part of one of the 144 girls that are even playing in the WNBA, one of the best leagues in the world, is pretty special and it's hard to put into words.\"

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A post shared by deauzya richards (@didirich2)

While Richards said she's \"very competitive,\" she initially cared more about \"being super girly and cute\" than hitting three-pointers on the court.

\"Sweating does not involve cute,\" she said with a laugh. \"So [basketball] really wasn't something I wanted to do -- but I'm happy my parents pushed me.\"

Now, heading into her rookie season, Richards said she is most looking forward to playing against the women she's looked up to for decades in the sport.

\"I think it's exciting to be able to learn from Lisa Leslie, Candace Parker and now being able to see Candace Parker on the court -- or to watch Breanna Stewart and maybe one day play against her and the Seattle Storm -- It's kind of exciting,\" she said.

Richards and the New York Liberty will take on the Indiana Fever at 7:00 P.M. ET on NBA TV.

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