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Ava Heiden appreciation thread

Last night she played 10 minutes, was 2-5 from the field for 4 points, 1 rebound and 1 block.

She's not starting, she's not hanging her head, and when the 6'4 center plays she contributes on both ends.

For example:

She's also one good reason this team will not panic when AOG gets into foul trouble. This is the deepest we've been at the post in a long time.
 
I’ve started to hone in on why I’ve grown to love Iowa womens’ basketball so much (something I never saw happening) even after Caitlin Clark left. It’s because of how much fun they have, and how much they enjoy playing together. Ava Heiden is my favorite freshman from that standpoint. I love the amount of joy she plays with. That smile.
 
She has more talent than Addison by a mile, but Addison has taken some lumps and has built up her strength over the years. Heiden may outplay AOG down the stretch, but its a great problem to have. Plus you can develop Heiden at a good pace without overwhelming her.
 
I’ve started to hone in on why I’ve grown to love Iowa womens’ basketball so much (something I never saw happening) even after Caitlin Clark left. It’s because of how much fun they have, and how much they enjoy playing together. Ava Heiden is my favorite freshman from that standpoint. I love the amount of joy she plays with. That smile.
The culture that Lisa and Jan have built over the years is second to none. These Iowa teams are just so much fun to watch. Never in a million years did I think Id ever give up my men’s season tickets a few years ago and get women’s basketball instead, but Im really glad that I did.
 
The culture that Lisa and Jan have built over the years is second to none. These Iowa teams are just so much fun to watch. Never in a million years did I think Id ever give up my men’s season tickets a few years ago and get women’s basketball instead, but Im really glad that I did.

I'm right there with you except for the tickets. I never had any tickets but I'd rather watch the women then the men.
 
GgOuJibXMAA9nci
 
Ava is my favorite Hawkeye. Very agile for 6'4". She'll become graceful as she gains experience and confidence. Agile enough to at the 4 spot? How about Layla and Ava on the front line.

UCLA puts a 6'7, center, two 6'4"inchish wings and big guards on the floor. LSU and South Carolina have fielded teams of tall trees that gave Iowa fits. These power programs recruit size with talent. It's keep up or be left out. There are tons of talented players out there.
 
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With Addison O'Grady and Hannah Stuelke in foul trouble all game last night (each ended with 4 fouls), Ava was clearly ready to go when her number was called.

Her stats:

13 minutes

3-4 (75%) FGs, all 2 point shots
0-0 FTs

6 Points
1 Rebound
0 Assists (0 Turnovers)
0 Blocks
0 Steals



Iowa gradually pulled away at Nebraska, 81-66.

 
This. She is going to be a dominant player by the time she is a senior, but those who act like Jan is practicing coaching malpractice by not giving her 15 minutes a night are not watching with honest eyes.

I think it's more of a "it sucks that a talented player like her doesn't even see the floor."

As you can see, before last night, she went 3 straight games without playing one second.

 
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