Iowa Women’s Basketball: So it begins…

In a more conventional setting, Carver-Hawkeye Arena, the Iowa Hawkeyes comfortably defeated Clarke University 122-49 following a record-breaking exhibition versus DePaul at Kinnick Stadium. In both games, head coach Lisa Bluder was able to get minutes for at least twelve players. Based on the team’s observations from the first two scrimmages this season, here are some.

Over the previous three years, I have watched every game and wrote about it. I know for a fact that one thing. How well the posts grow and perform will determine how successful Iowa’s season is. For the Hawkeyes, Monika Czinano started 127 games. 122 games were played by McKenna Warnock. Lisa Bluder and Jan Jensen have to replace an amazing amount of experience. A few figures derived from the two shows.

I’ve said before that I think Hannah Stuelke will play for the entire conference, possibly even this year. One of the most effective posts I’ve ever read was from Monika Czinano. Addison O’Grady and Sharon Goodman’s platoon has a strong possibility of matching Czinano’s figures. Monika shot 67.4% from the field, grabbed 6.5 rebounds, and scored 17.1 points on average. The two should score less points on average but pull down more rebounds. Stuelke transitions really quickly, and her shot is become more fluid and consistent. Coach Jan Jensen provides O’Grady and Goodman with top-notch tutelage in the low post. To succeed Czinano and Warnock, the Hawkeyes will need to cultivate leadership from this position.

Caitlin Clark

Everybody in the nation is eager to see Caitlin Clark. The Caitlin Clark Show sold out both competing arenas when it visited the city last year. It’s blowing up even more this year. Enthusiasts from all across the nation desire to glimpse the next great basketball player. I have something to say that might not go over well. In circumstances where the game is decided, Lisa Bluder should be fully aware of Clark’s minutes to the point of holding her back. Although supporters don’t want to see and hear that, I think it was the right decision. The outcome for Iowa depends on number 22. In terms of women’s college basketball scoring, Clark might be the all-time leader. Over her career, Clark has scored 2717 points. She is short by 810 points Kelsey Plum’s (Washington) total of 3527. Would it be great for Clark to break the record? Of course. Are victories more important to Clark and the University of Iowa? Again, of course.

I’d like to eat my cake as well as have it. Perhaps we could have both. Of course, the main subject of every scouting report is Clark. It seems like she loses nearly every game. I’m all about the team if it means shattering a scoring record or Iowa making another deep run in the tournament. Clark may decide to play for Iowa again next season, but I think she’ll advance and support the WNBA in doing more and better things. Hawk fans, enjoy this for one more year, along with women’s college basketball.

Perimeter Rotation/Depth

The Hawkeyes welcome back Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall in addition to Clark. They are skilled, accomplished players. Kylie Feuerbach, Sydney Affolter, and Molly Davis will all spend a significant amount of time playing away from the basket. It sounds corny, but in order for the Hawks to have another successful season, these guys will need to accomplish the “little things” (since there is no such thing as a little thing). Hustle, defence, and rebounding are all essential for winning basketball games. These athletes, in my opinion, are capable of and willing to contribute these qualities. I’m also interested in sophomore Taylor McCabe as a player. McCabe shoots things. She will have more space if she can leave the bench and bury some deep threes Iowa’s posts, and it will also force defenders to not be so quick to leave their player to double Caitlin Clark.

Fairleigh Dickinson (FDU) Knights

Starting on Monday, November 6 at 6:30 p.m. (B1G+) / Hawkeye Radio Network, the Hawkeyes will kick off the season. Last year, FDU was 24-8/14-2. A year ago, the Knights scored 65.1 points on average while giving up 53.2. They made 34% of their shots from beyond the arc and gave up only 22%. Fairleigh Dickinson’s strategy will be to slow down the match. They have no desire to compete against the Hawks in a track competition. Compared to last year’s team, the Knights lost a significant amount of experience and scoring.