Another Factor In Iowa’s WBB Transfer Portal Recruiting

[rrk77]

The WBB’s National Championship game was viewed by 10 million, a record. The Iowa Elite Eight game also viewed by 5 million or so. Why?

Caitlin Clark. Not A. Boston or Angel Reese. Caitlin Clark. These women college basketball stars who want NIL money and national exposure are gonna know that playing with CC is a sure thing. Their parents know that, their current financial advisors know that, and so do their future agents.

Lisa Bluder will get a star in the portal.

 

[Hawk_4shur]

It's hard to think up reasons why a star player wouldn't want to go to Iowa right now, except one ...

If you want to "The Star" of the team it ain't happening in Iowa City.

 

[uihawk82]

It's hard to think up reasons why a star player wouldn't want to go to Iowa right now, except one ...

If you want to "The Star" of the team it ain't happening in Iowa City.

No you wont be the top star but just this latest season Monica had great numbers and so many great passes to her from CC. So lets say there are several top post players out there like Betts and they think wow I can get great passes from CC and average 20 pts per game, I can work with one of the best post coaches in the game, and the Iowa team has the pieces to win a title.

I think that is plenty of reasons to come to Iowa.

 

[Hawk_4shur]

No you wont be the top star but just this latest season Monica had great numbers and so many great passes to her from CC. So lets say there are several top post players out there like Betts and they think wow I can get great passes from CC and average 20 pts per game, I can work with one of the best post coaches in the game, and the Iowa team has the pieces to win a title.

I think that is plenty of reasons to come to Iowa.

I agree - many great reasons to come to Iowa. Not many reasons not to.

 

[Hawkfan5220]

Plus there's a good chance Carver is near sold out every game

 

[hawkod]

No you wont be the top star but just this latest season Monica had great numbers and so many great passes to her from CC. So lets say there are several top post players out there like Betts and they think wow I can get great passes from CC and average 20 pts per game, I can work with one of the best post coaches in the game, and the Iowa team has the pieces to win a title.

I think that is plenty of reasons to come to Iowa.

You and I think that, but doubtful Lauren and her mom are using those criteria. I've lived in SoCal and am familiar with UCLA; great school academically and a nice campus.

If they want beautiful weather and an average of 2800 fans in the stands, that's the place. College sports in SoCal is way down the priority list of the locals, and more so with women's. Many perceive they'll be celebs because that's what LA is all about, right? WRONG! Might get some notice around campus but pretty much nothing beyond that.

If Lauren wants a better basketball experience, better potential to further her career, better community during her college years, and better life long notoriety and relationships, then Iowa is the place.

Not confident that's their thinking.

 

[longliveCS40]

No you wont be the top star but just this latest season Monica had great numbers and so many great passes to her from CC. So lets say there are several top post players out there like Betts and they think wow I can get great passes from CC and average 20 pts per game, I can work with one of the best post coaches in the game, and the Iowa team has the pieces to win a title.

I think that is plenty of reasons to come to Iowa.

I agree with everything you've said but I think you discount the ego of some star players. There are many that wouldn't want to play second fiddle.

I'm hopeful Bluder lands a star big. The incentive is there and doing so puts Iowa in the mix for the title next season.

 

[Herky T Hawk]

You and I think that, but doubtful Lauren and her mom are using those criteria. I've lived in SoCal and am familiar with UCLA; great school academically and a nice campus.

If they want beautiful weather and an average of 2800 fans in the stands, that's the place. College sports in SoCal is way down the priority list of the locals, and more so with women's. Many perceive they'll be celebs because that's what LA is all about, right? WRONG! Might get some notice around campus but pretty much nothing beyond that.

If Lauren wants a better basketball experience, better potential to further her career, better community during her college years, and better life long notoriety and relationships, then Iowa is the place.

Not confident that's their thinking.

Would be interesting to see the NIL opportunity difference between Iowa and UCLA. UCLA would in general be much, much higher as a university with the larger fan base and much larger home city.

But historically Iowa WBB is at least #3 or 4 in the pecking order of the university. And with CC and team coming off a national title game run, they may move up right behind Football in the immediate future. Add to that UCLA WBB is definitely behind football and MBB which will chew up a huge amount of NIL, plus possibly other sports. (I don't know enough about their other sports to see how many others they'd be behind) Could being a #2 player on a nationally competitive team with packed houses every night and regular television time give her more earning potential?

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

I agree - many great reasons to come to Iowa. Not many reasons not to.

Why don't black athletes come to Iowa even with Clark being here?

Let's have that conversation, and no it's not Bluder's fault (or her staff's) to get that out of the way..............

 

[ssckelley]

I agree with everything you've said but I think you discount the ego of some star players. There are many that wouldn't want to play second fiddle.

I'm hopeful Bluder lands a star big. The incentive is there and doing so puts Iowa in the mix for the title next season.

I don't know her personally, I just see what's on the basketball floor but Van Lith seems like someone who would match this description yet she's likely going to LSU under Mulkey and Reese's shadow. She probably wants to play for a NC and she realized it was unlikely she was ever going to do that at Louisville.

As of right now Betts is not a "star player" but playing next to Clark could turn her into one. But I have no idea what she is looking for, perhaps the beach is appealing to her and you will not find a good on in Iowa City.

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

. But I have no idea what she is looking for, perhaps the beach is appealing to her and you will not find a good on in Iowa City.

Lake shores have sand too..............

 

[ichawk24]

Worried about playing second fiddle? Basketball has been obsessed with super teams lately. The entire South Carolina starting lineup was drafted, were any of them worried about coming to SC? If second fiddle was a worry, UConn wouldn't exist in their current state.

 

[longliveCS40]

Worried about playing second fiddle? Basketball has been obsessed with super teams lately. The entire South Carolina starting lineup was drafted, were any of them worried about coming to SC? If second fiddle was a worry, UConn wouldn't exist in their current state.

All those players are of mostly equal ability and popularity. Caitlin Clark is a different thing. You are not going to be equal in popularity or most likely in ability. You're going to be playing second fiddle like a Czinano did this season. You're going to be the Robin to her Batman.

There are a lot of players that don't mind that at all. I'm just pointing out that there are some that would not be OK with that situation.

 

[anon_salmfilsntd0b]

We've gotta remember that the winds are against us in every way when it comes to recruiting. Raina wouldn't have followed Morrow and Clark would not have liked that post if they weren't trying to bring in an impact transfer. So they're doing what we want them to do. But so is literally every other school in the country.

Yes we have Clark and our recent appearance in a NC game -- nothing to scoff at. I'm sure we're in the conversation for these top recruits b/c of that, but not every kid wants to come to a school like Iowa to be the do-all, be-all savior. What happens if they get injured? They may no longer be on a NC-caliber team. But they would still be if they went somewhere like SC or UConn, with their much more well-rounded rosters. And what happens if Clark graduates in a year? Are we back to a Sweet 16 caliber team? For some of these kids (I'm thinking Betts), one elite year may not be enough to close the deal.

Many of these schools are also located in absolute dream locations for kids -- UCLA, USC are prime examples. Right on the beach, perfect weather, in what feels like the center of the world. Moving to Iowa is something most people just don't want to do (including myself lol). Add on Iowa's dreary winters, lack of major cities, etc. and the fact that we're in the B1G, which a lot of kids (rightfully) recognize as just not being where talent is concentrated. The ACC, SEC, and yes even the PAC have a lot more McDonald's AAs and way more appearances in the Final Four. In addition to perennial powers, lots of up and coming programs are really trendy right now (MS State, Ole Miss, Colorado, USC).

I also read a story recently about WBB coaches finding it more and more difficult to convince kids to move to red states -- social issues like abortion, LGBT laws, weed, etc are increasingly becoming nonstarters for kids and parents alike. Even when Iowa was still a swing state, it had a reputation as a red state. Now there's no way to dispute that reputation.

And yes, I'll say it again, our lack of melanin will also hurt us with many kids -- that's for the players, coaches, and community. It's also a non-starter for many kids and parents alike. Even for some white kids, it matters.

I guess I'm saying, yes, let's all hope for the best. I'm sure we're a contender. But let's not crucify our coaches if they can't compete with blue bloods, perfect climates, young and charismatic coaches or insane NIL deals. If these kids could put together a checklist of the top 10 things they want in a program, we may only check 8 boxes at best. But multiple schools will check all 10...

Edit: SC and Notre Dame just announced they will kick off their season with a game in Paris lol. Both of these schools are pushing for Morrow and Betts. Another example of something we can’t control and also can’t deny as working against us.

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

Yeah well tell all these other schools to f*** off while we're trying to win a national championship. And we'll thank them in advance.

 

[DewHawk]

Recruiting is about what a player's priority is, to be on the best team and play a role or to be the "star" player. Given BBall is a team sport the correct answer is fairly obvious and what most players seek. The players who want to be the only "star" is not what any sane coach is looking for to join the team. JMO

 

[ChiPackHawk]

Why don't black athletes come to Iowa even with Clark being here?

Let's have that conversation, and no it's not Bluder's fault (or her staff's) to get that out of the way..............

Could it be the same reason some defensive backs have transferred out recently? You posed the question. I think you know the answer.

 

[BondHawk]

I don't know her personally, I just see what's on the basketball floor but Van Lith seems like someone who would match this description yet she's likely going to LSU under Mulkey and Reese's shadow. She probably wants to play for a NC and she realized it was unlikely she was ever going to do that at Louisville.

Right, once they made it to that fifth Elite Eight in a row it probably started to really sink in for her.

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

Could it be the same reason some defensive backs have transferred out recently? You posed the question. I think you know the answer.

True, but I posed it about basketball..................and I want other people to say it.

 

[Hawkhoops3]

Would be interesting to see the NIL opportunity difference between Iowa and UCLA. UCLA would in general be much, much higher as a university with the larger fan base and much larger home city.

But historically Iowa WBB is at least #3 or 4 in the pecking order of the university. And with CC and team coming off a national title game run, they may move up right behind Football in the immediate future. Add to that UCLA WBB is definitely behind football and MBB which will chew up a huge amount of NIL, plus possibly other sports. (I don't know enough about their other sports to see how many others they'd be behind) Could being a #2 player on a nationally competitive team with packed houses every night and regular television time give her more earning potential?

make no mistake, however, UCLA is going to be a force in the years to come. Coach Close is building a monster, and I think they add Betts too.

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

make no mistake, however, UCLA is going to be a force in the years to come. Coach Close is building a monster, and I think they add Betts too.

Yeah well ya know they should stop doing that long enough for Iowa to win a national f***ing championship...........

 

[ChiPackHawk]

True, but I posed it about basketball..................and I want other people to say it.

I did - with an analogy that is just as accurate. Don't expect a straight answer because those who would get tired of dealing with the "oh that's just not possible" crowd.

 

[Lonetreehawk]

Convince me that NIL compensation WON'T be the primary factor in most of these girls decision's?

 

[anon_salmfilsntd0b]

Right, once they made it to that fifth Elite Eight in a row it probably started to really sink in for her.

Can't tell if this is sarcasm or not lol. It's probably actually true for some and ironic regarding others. but Louisville actually had a mass exodus this year after losing ten (!!) games -- some of which were really, really bad losses. Pretty amazing they recovered to make the Elite 8 anyway...but I'd be surprised if these aren't all related.

 

[Bishop1971]

Convince me that NIL compensation WON'T be the primary factor in most of these girls decision's?

I can't but I'd think that a shot at a national championship has some serious alure. Plus any team that has natty goals has nil so the nil deals may offset leaving location and/or coaches and players to be the deciding factor.

 

[SunzOutGunzOut]

Is Shayeann Day-Wilson a new Harmon follow?

 

[ChiPackHawk]

True, but I posed it about basketball..................and I want other people to say it.

And you wonder why people aren’t?

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

And you wonder why people aren’t?

No, not really. They're afraid to touch the subject.

Nobody will give a straight answer either. They'll deflect it back with another question.......like you did.

 

[ChiPackHawk]

No, not really. They're afraid to touch the subject.

Nobody will give a straight answer either. They'll deflect it back with another question.......like you did.

I guess it required too much thought for you

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

I guess it required too much thought for you

No, I know why you avoid giving a straight answer as well.

But really though, the main hold up is that I posed the question in this thread where it can (and usually does) get buried and glossed over.

Btw, I'm still curious as to who you blame for black players choosing to avoid the Iowa women's basketball program like the plague for the most part, particularly in the last decade and change, of the Bluder era...........because it is not the same as who I blame, and it won't be the same as others will blame.

I just want the discussion to be more than just people focusing on who I blame.

But perhaps that requires too much thought from you..................

 

[Packer54]

make no mistake, however, UCLA is going to be a force in the years to come. Coach Close is building a monster, and I think they add Betts too.

Maybe so. And have 4 k attend the games unless they round up the homeless with free passes.

 

[cleotishaywood]

Maybe a toss-up between playing to smaller crowds or soaking up the climate in Southern California?

 

[hawkod]

Maybe so. And have 4 k attend the games unless they round up the homeless with free passes.

Actually they averaged 2861 in attendance in 2022-23.

 

[ChiPackHawk]

No, I know why you avoid giving a straight answer as well.

But really though, the main hold up is that I posed the question in this thread where it can (and usually does) get buried and glossed over.

Btw, I'm still curious as to who you blame for black players choosing to avoid the Iowa women's basketball program like the plague for the most part, particularly in the last decade and change, of the Bluder era...........because it is not the same as who I blame, and it won't be the same as others will blame.

I just want the discussion to be more than just people focusing on who I blame.

But perhaps that requires too much thought from you..................

Funny how you chastise the one person who responded? A laughing emoji designed to promote conversation? You’re not very good at this if it is truly what you wanted. You started the convo, don’t be such a puss. Tell everyone how you feel about it.

 

[ChiPackHawk]

No, I know why you avoid giving a straight answer as well.

But really though, the main hold up is that I posed the question in this thread where it can (and usually does) get buried and glossed over.

Btw, I'm still curious as to who you blame for black players choosing to avoid the Iowa women's basketball program like the plague for the most part, particularly in the last decade and change, of the Bluder era...........because it is not the same as who I blame, and it won't be the same as others will blame.

I just want the discussion to be more than just people focusing on who I blame.

But perhaps that requires too much thought from you..................

Come on - you're a bright one. You can do better than that. Maybe you can get one of your chuckle buddies to pile on?

 

[ft254]

The WBB’s National Championship game was viewed by 10 million, a record. The Iowa Elite Eight game also viewed by 5 million or so. Why?

Caitlin Clark. Not A. Boston or Angel Reese. Caitlin Clark. These women college basketball stars who want NIL money and national exposure are gonna know that playing with CC is a sure thing. Their parents know that, their current financial advisors know that, and so do their future agents.

Lisa Bluder will get a star in the portal.

Any will find out next year the reason 9+ million people tuned in to watch the NC game was not because Angel Reese was playing. Or Paige Buekers. Or any other team or player on the court.

It is called star power. Few people have it. Clark does. Personality, eccentricity, showmanship with talent to present in an entertaining manner.

It was obvious the NCAA regretted their seeding decisions and an Iowa - South Carolina final would have been a dream matchup. Angel Reese's aggressive post tourney behavior does not play well and detracts from an otherwise well received and largely watched event. And the terrible officiating destroyed what any chance of what could have been a classic game. I hope the NCAA puts the game under a microscope and uses it as a case study in how officiating should never determine the course and outcome of a game.

 

[denmar81]

Been watching the women’s games for years and I honestly can’t imagine anything changing with officiating. It’s been bad forever with no improvement. The outrage from the Championship will blow over and it’ll be back to normal with the same officials on the floor. Officials being held accountable for their poor performances isn’t a thing.

 

[ft254]

Been watching the women’s games for years and I honestly can’t imagine anything changing with officiating. It’s been bad forever with no improvement. The outrage from the Championship will blow over and it’ll be back to normal with the same officials on the floor. Officials being held accountable for their poor performances isn’t a thing.

Nope. There was severe backlash from officiating performance feedback and will make a difference. This criticism came from various levels of the game, including professional officials. The game was high profile, widely viewed and the quality was affected. I doubt those refs will be on the floor in championship games formats.

Officials should never determine the outcome of a game. At the championship level it is heinous. I agree officials are easy targets and it's easy to excuse losses on them. But fans and the sport in general must expect competency. There has to be policing and control and as interest grows. Poor performance has to be a thing.

 

[chesapeake bay dog]

Anyone heard anything on Lauren Ware of Arizona?

 

[ft254]

Anyone heard anything on Lauren Ware of Arizona?

One of the bigs listed in portal. Iowa State recently got a mid-major, former Jr college 6'5" center transfer. Didn't do bad with Soares, had the injury bug not bitten.

Rim protection with some offense production is always welcome. O'Grady is a solid defender, and I always thought her footwork was decent and has good hands. Goodman can fill the gap on call as well as AJ. It's not as if the cupboard is bare. The 4 is unsettled unless Gyamfi lives up to recruitment billing and we fill McKenna's spot. Even then we need depth. The forward(s) position is the toughest to fill in the college game.

Affolter's emergence was nice to see as her near 6' frame is McKeena-like and she is drive oriented. Warnock's rebounding will be sorely missed. Desperately missed unless Bluder figures out how to get these ladies to rebound.

IMO Iowa women's basketball success (which means a NC) will depend on Clark staying healthy, the development of Gyamfi, the improvement of O'Grady and Stuelke, and hopefully a player-ready addition via the transfer portal.

UConn, LSU and So Carolina all loaded up to already loaded teams via the transfer portal. Hopefully the Hawkeyes didn't draw a blank. Only room on the roster for one spot.