Hawkeye Women’s BBall Season 2021-2022

[georgesportsfan]

We need an athletic post for defensive purposes, and we need an athletic slashing 2 guard that can drive and score and take pressure off Clark.

That's really all we can ask for given what we have and aren't losing any time soon.

They have 2 years to get that in order to build a roster capable of a possible Final Four run.


That and getting better at defense and convincing the players to make an effort at rebounding.

My first post. I have been reading and became a Hawks fans since Kathleen Doyle's freshman year. I"m from LaGrange IL.
I've watched every game B1G network. Seen changes and great WBB.
I spend at least an hour daily on reading and following womens basketball. Glad i can post. With this Caitlin era we have excellent pieces. But with just Monica and Caitlin as reliable scorers were an elite 8 at best. Not hating and love Kate Gabbie and McKenna as they can sometimes can light it up but never sure of offensive output.
That creates some pressure. Example of how Caitlin struggled during the non conference schedule and in some other games where scoring 30 wasnt in her feel that game.

To be elite with the top 6 and Maryland we need a scoring 2 or 3. When Kate or Gabbie have that confidence and go off for 10-14 points the whole team plays better.

We now know that most coaches give their upperclassmen the opportunity. Sometimes I think we dont give the freshman and fair shot if they try to score and dont then its the end of the bench. Lauren Jensen and 2,000 point HS scorer never got a chance. And we saw she can play and score at the DI level.

I have been reading the form for over 6 years. I could say a lot here in my first post but to get to balance and consistency we need that 3rd scorer. Someone who scores 10-12 consistently but who can consistently score 20+ or even 30. Would help Monica and Caitlin.
I hope Taylor McCabe gets a real real shot. 8-10 minutes wont work ask Lauren Jensen.

If we go to portal and dont worry about losing players who maybe dont fit our current needs the Caitlin era ..
1. Abbey Meyers Princeton and IVY poy. 2 yrs elig i think
2. Georgia Woolley Buffalo MAC fresh of year

Both are scorers and high IQ and play hard. Defense wont take a hit
sorry so long here
excited to contribute .. a thought or so

 

[Suterman]

My first post. I have been reading and became a Hawks fans since Kathleen Doyle's freshman year. I"m from LaGrange IL.
I've watched every game B1G network. Seen changes and great WBB.
I spend at least an hour daily on reading and following womens basketball. Glad i can post. With this Caitlin era we have excellent pieces. But with just Monica and Caitlin as reliable scorers were an elite 8 at best. Not hating and love Kate Gabbie and McKenna as they can sometimes can light it up but never sure of offensive output.
That creates some pressure. Example of how Caitlin struggled during the non conference schedule and in some other games where scoring 30 wasnt in her feel that game.

To be elite with the top 6 and Maryland we need a scoring 2 or 3. When Kate or Gabbie have that confidence and go off for 10-14 points the whole team plays better.

We now know that most coaches give their upperclassmen the opportunity. Sometimes I think we dont give the freshman and fair shot if they try to score and dont then its the end of the bench. Lauren Jensen and 2,000 point HS scorer never got a chance. And we saw she can play and score at the DI level.

I have been reading the form for over 6 years. I could say a lot here in my first post but to get to balance and consistency we need that 3rd scorer. Someone who scores 10-12 consistently but who can consistently score 20+ or even 30. Would help Monica and Caitlin.
I hope Taylor McCabe gets a real real shot. 8-10 minutes wont work ask Lauren Jensen.

If we go to portal and dont worry about losing players who maybe dont fit our current needs the Caitlin era ..
1. Abbey Meyers Princeton and IVY poy. 2 yrs elig i think
2. Georgia Woolley Buffalo MAC fresh of year

Both are scorers and high IQ and play hard. Defense wont take a hit
sorry so long here
excited to contribute .. a thought or so

Lauren didn't get much PT at Iowa for sure, but from all reports, she wasn't tearing it up in practice and earning the PT. She was tentative and not what the coaches needed. Lauren against us was great, no doubt. She has obviously improved a lot. Had she stayed would she have still made the jump? We will never know.

 

[georgesportsfan]

see Raoul twitter posts he has good timely info

https://twitter.com/Raoul_000?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

ND just lost 3 players

oregon has lost 5 players this year

for those interested

 

[georgesportsfan]

Lauren didn't get much PT at Iowa for sure, but from all reports, she wasn't tearing it up in practice and earning the PT. She was tentative and not what the coaches needed. Lauren against us was great, no doubt. She has obviously improved a lot. Had she stayed would she have still made the jump? We will never know.

agree
freshman need a legit shot
any kid coming out of HS scoring 2,000 points deserves a real look
my favorite this year is ... Utah freshman of the year and also
1st team all confernce
Gianna Kneepkens
the girl in HS from the Duluth area (no competion ???)
average 43 pts a game. thats something crazy
But goes to Utah Pac 12 lead them in scoring and earns honors
and Utah makes the dance.
she has Caitlin range

point being .. legit play the freshman
both Doyle and Makenzie Meyer played and we got to elite 8

hope McCabe get a real shot

freshman depth is great

ask Geno at Uconn
Carolyn Ducharme carried that team w Paige down

 

[Gabe Sifuentes]

agree
freshman need a legit shot
any kid coming out of HS scoring 2,000 points deserves a real look
my favorite this year is ... Utah freshman of the year and also
1st team all confernce
Gianna Kneepkens
the girl in HS from the Duluth area (no competion ???)
average 43 pts a game. thats something crazy
But goes to Utah Pac 12 lead them in scoring and earns honors
and Utah makes the dance.
she has Caitlin range

point being .. legit play the freshman
both Doyle and Makenzie Meyer played and we got to elite 8

hope McCabe get a real shot

freshman depth is great

ask Geno at Uconn
Carolyn Ducharme carried that team w Paige down

If McCabe average less than 15 minutes a game next season I will be very upset. Stuelke should also get 10 at a minimum.

 

[Suterman]

agree
freshman need a legit shot
any kid coming out of HS scoring 2,000 points deserves a real look
my favorite this year is ... Utah freshman of the year and also
1st team all confernce
Gianna Kneepkens
the girl in HS from the Duluth area (no competion ???)
average 43 pts a game. thats something crazy
But goes to Utah Pac 12 lead them in scoring and earns honors
and Utah makes the dance.
she has Caitlin range

point being .. legit play the freshman
both Doyle and Makenzie Meyer played and we got to elite 8

hope McCabe get a real shot

freshman depth is great

ask Geno at Uconn
Carolyn Ducharme carried that team w Paige down

If McCabe is the real deal, she will see her share of minutes. Same with Stuelke.

 

[AMAYS]

. . .

We have an issue currently at the 2 and 3 positions. Sometimes our current starters there are great. Sometimes, they are almost invisible. Same thing with our depth players at those positions. I hope most games Kate looks like the player who dominated the Big Ten Tournament. I hope Gabbie returns to last year's form.

Enjoy all of your input, and your takes are generally well thought out, but I disagree here. The fundamental offensive problems are at the 2 and 4, not the 3. Not coincidentally, the scoring declines this year were at the 2 and 4, not the 1, 3 and 5. Kate is a good (not great) defender, she can handle the ball and, to a moderate degree, she can create her own shot, including driving to the basket. Her success in the Big Ten tourney was largely off the bounce. In contrast, neither Gabbie nor McKenna can create their own shot or put the ball on the deck to create offense for others. These shortcomings at the 2 and 4 severely limit the Iowa offense when teams can force Iowa to play in the half court.

This season, McKenna led the league in 3-point fg% in conference play. She is a great stationary shooter (if she is on the move before shooting a 3, her percentage drops way down), and Iowa needs to find a way to have the offense get her more open looks when she is on the floor. But if McKenna is guarded on the catch by anyone other than a slow big, she is virtually paralyzed because her ability to drive or go anywhere useful with the ball is extremely limited. In Iowa's 5 post-season games this season, the other teams made a concerted effort to be there on the catch when McKenna caught the ball, thereby all but taking her out of the game on the offensive end. In post-season play, McKenna was 1 for 13 from 3, averaging 5 ppg in 30 minutes per game. I also think that the idea that McKenna is somehow going to rediscover her ability to drive is wishful thinking, driven by incomplete memories. When she had a few good driving games in the past (e.g. Kentucky and Michigan State), she was generally matched up with a slow big that she could go by. Perhaps she will have a few more of those matchups, but teams have figured her out and know how to check her.

Gabbie's inability to drive and finish, or drive and pull up, also contributes to not getting enough open shots for McKenna. If Gabbie was more of a threat to drive and finish, or create, teams would have to help off on her, opening up opportunities for others, including McKenna. Gabbie and McKenna are big assets for Iowa, but I am hoping that some of their shortcomings can be solved next year by the '22 recruits and development by Feuerbach.

 

[BraydonRoberts5]

Enjoy all of your input, and your takes are generally well thought out, but I disagree here. The fundamental offensive problems are at the 2 and 4, not the 3. Not coincidentally, the scoring declines this year were at the 2 and 4, not the 1, 3 and 5. Kate is a good (not great) defender, she can handle the ball and, to a moderate degree, she can create her own shot, including driving to the basket. Her success in the Big Ten tourney was largely off the bounce. In contrast, neither Gabbie nor McKenna can create their own shot or put the ball on the deck to create offense for others. These shortcomings at the 2 and 4 severely limit the Iowa offense when teams can force Iowa to play in the half court.

This season, McKenna led the league in 3-point fg% in conference play. She is a great stationary shooter (if she is on the move before shooting a 3, her percentage drops way down), and Iowa needs to find a way to have the offense get her more open looks when she is on the floor. But if McKenna is guarded on the catch by anyone other than a slow big, she is virtually paralyzed because her ability to drive or go anywhere useful with the ball is extremely limited. In Iowa's 5 post-season games this season, the other teams made a concerted effort to be there on the catch when McKenna caught the ball, thereby all but taking her out of the game on the offensive end. In post-season play, McKenna was 1 for 13 from 3, averaging 5 ppg in 30 minutes per game. I also think that the idea that McKenna is somehow going to rediscover her ability to drive is wishful thinking, driven by incomplete memories. When she had a few good driving games in the past (e.g. Kentucky and Michigan State), she was generally matched up with a slow big that she could go by. Perhaps she will have a few more of those matchups, but teams have figured her out and know how to check her.

Gabbie's inability to drive and finish, or drive and pull up, also contributes to not getting enough open shots for McKenna. If Gabbie was more of a threat to drive and finish, or create, teams would have to help off on her, opening up opportunities for others, including McKenna. Gabbie and McKenna are big assets for Iowa, but I am hoping that some of their shortcomings can be solved next year by the '22 recruits and development by Feuerbach.

Just a quick response here, but I'm attributing much or all of Warnock's decline towards the end of the season and in the post-season to her injury. She came back and had one or two good games, but then looked way off the rest of the time. We haven't seen her look that bad in her entire college career.

If healthy next year, I think Warnock goes back to being the reliably good shooter and third scoring option that we need. I could be wrong about that, of course.

I mention Kate as an issue because of her lack of consistency. She can create off the dribble, but she's also the worst shooter on the team. If we get Big Ten Tournament Kate most of the season, we don't need much help at the 3. But I think that's a bigger "if" than whether Warnock returns to form.

 

[hawkshawn]

A few thoughts on a random number of topics mentioned over the past few pages of this thread. Sorry for the long post in advance.

• I know folks are frustrated with how the season ended and I completely understand that frustration. I've been right there too. But if 1 or 2 plays go differently in that Creighton game, the end of the season could've been completely different. I absolutely believe Iowa could've beaten Iowa State and if that had happened, Iowa would have been in the Elite Eight and we're thinking about things differently. So I don't feel like Iowa is that far off.
• I personally think Iowa has it in them to make a run at a Final Four with the current roster (and the '22 additions). But that's contingent on either a great tourney draw with favorable matchups, or Caitlin having one of her out of this world games against someone they "shouldn't" beat (ie South Carolina) and I wouldn't want to bet on that, especially because the top teams are typically longer, more athletic, and have elite defenders.
• Because of that, I agree that Iowa needs a 3rd scoring option that can create offense when either Caitlin or Monika has an off night. I don't think it necessarily needs to be a singular player that is that 3rd option, but the more possibilities it has to do that, the better. Last year, Iowa had Gabbie, Kate, McKenna, Tomi, and to a lesser extent Addi as those options and IMO, Kate was really the only one who could do that in a variety of ways (McKenna was a little varied but it was mainly 3's and post baskets.). I think Stuelke has the potential to do that (there is a world where Stuelke is a Naz Hillmon starter kit, not to put outrageous expectations on her), I just worry about expecting freshmen to make the transition so quickly. I personally think McCabe will be more of a 3-pt specialist than a 3-level scorer at Iowa, but I'm hopeful she will eventually be able to do more.
• If Iowa was interested, I do think either Parrish or Kampschroeder have the ability to score in a variety of ways. Kampschroeder is more of a jump shooter, but she's really skilled offensively and would be the better defender of the two. Parrish is longer, more athletic, and is probably more of a slasher of the two (admittedly I've seen less of Parrish). Also, I don't know why Kampschroeder left AIA, but I'm sure traveling 5 hours for practice all the time had a lot to do with it, especially when Midwest Elite is a really solid program. She's supposedly a really good kid.
• We all know this, but defense and rebounding need to continue to improve. Iowa was last in the country in scoring defense 2 years ago (#336 at 80.3 OPP PPG) and improved that by 10 PPG this year (#306 of 348 at 70.2 OPP PPG). Rebounding also improved from 35.6 rebounds per game to 38.3. The overall team athleticism has improved considerably from 5 to 10 years ago and if Iowa can continue to make improvements in that regard, they should continue to get better, both defensively and on the boards.
• Lastly, in defense of Lauren Jensen, when she committed to Iowa, I'm pretty sure she was sold on being the focal point of the offense. That all changed when Caitlin committed, which meant that she was going to be the 2 guard behind Gabbie to start, who herself had another 2 years left after last year. They had a 3 game non-conference season due to Covid, so any chance she had to get comfortable was during limited minutes in conference play. I was a huge Lauren fan coming in (and still am), but frankly, she didn't hit shots in the opportunities she got, so her minutes dwindled. I wish they'd made an effort to play her more because I really do think she's a gifted offensive player but it is what it is. I think the writing was already on the wall before Kylie committed, but her transfer made it a lot easier. Kids want to play and she found a great situation for her, which I think is great (that said, I would vote that we outlaw playing Creighton in the future at least until she graduates )

 

[BraydonRoberts5]

A few thoughts on a random number of topics mentioned over the past few pages of this thread. Sorry for the long post in advance.

• I know folks are frustrated with how the season ended and I completely understand that frustration. I've been right there too. But if 1 or 2 plays go differently in that Creighton game, the end of the season could've been completely different. I absolutely believe Iowa could've beaten Iowa State and if that had happened, Iowa would have been in the Elite Eight and we're thinking about things differently. So I don't feel like Iowa is that far off.
• I personally think Iowa has it in them to make a run at a Final Four with the current roster (and the '22 additions). But that's contingent on either a great tourney draw with favorable matchups, or Caitlin having one of her out of this world games against someone they "shouldn't" beat (ie South Carolina) and I wouldn't want to bet on that, especially because the top teams are typically longer, more athletic, and have elite defenders.
• Because of that, I agree that Iowa needs a 3rd scoring option that can create offense when either Caitlin or Monika has an off night. I don't think it necessarily needs to be a singular player that is that 3rd option, but the more possibilities it has to do that, the better. Last year, Iowa had Gabbie, Kate, McKenna, Tomi, and to a lesser extent Addi as those options and IMO, Kate was really the only one who could do that in a variety of ways (McKenna was a little varied but it was mainly 3's and post baskets.). I think Stuelke has the potential to do that (there is a world where Stuelke is a Naz Hillmon starter kit, not to put outrageous expectations on her), I just worry about expecting freshmen to make the transition so quickly. I personally think McCabe will be more of a 3-pt specialist than a 3-level scorer at Iowa, but I'm hopeful she will eventually be able to do more.
• If Iowa was interested, I do think either Parrish or Kampschroeder have the ability to score in a variety of ways. Kampschroeder is more of a jump shooter, but she's really skilled offensively and would be the better defender of the two. Parrish is longer, more athletic, and is probably more of a slasher of the two (admittedly I've seen less of Parrish). Also, I don't know why Kampschroeder left AIA, but I'm sure traveling 5 hours for practice all the time had a lot to do with it, especially when Midwest Elite is a really solid program. She's supposedly a really good kid.
• We all know this, but defense and rebounding need to continue to improve. Iowa was last in the country in scoring defense 2 years ago (#336 at 80.3 OPP PPG) and improved that by 10 PPG this year (#306 of 348 at 70.2 OPP PPG). Rebounding also improved from 35.6 rebounds per game to 38.3. The overall team athleticism has improved considerably from 5 to 10 years ago and if Iowa can continue to make improvements in that regard, they should continue to get better, both defensively and on the boards.
• Lastly, in defense of Lauren Jensen, when she committed to Iowa, I'm pretty sure she was sold on being the focal point of the offense. That all changed when Caitlin committed, which meant that she was going to be the 2 guard behind Gabbie to start, who herself had another 2 years left after last year. They had a 3 game non-conference season due to Covid, so any chance she had to get comfortable was during limited minutes in conference play. I was a huge Lauren fan coming in (and still am), but frankly, she didn't hit shots in the opportunities she got, so her minutes dwindled. I wish they'd made an effort to play her more because I really do think she's a gifted offensive player but it is what it is. I think the writing was already on the wall before Kylie committed, but her transfer made it a lot easier. Kids want to play and she found a great situation for her, which I think is great (that said, I would vote that we outlaw playing Creighton in the future at least until she graduates )

I agree with all of this except not playing Creighton (which you probably just said in jest). I hope Coach Bluder schedules Creighton next year. I hope she schedules other athletic and defensive teams that will challenge us. IMO the best way for us to prepare to play a team like that in March is to face and overcome those challenges earlier in the year.

 

[BraydonRoberts5]

If Lisa didn't encourage them to leave, then they quit on Iowa.

I imagine I'm on the younger end of posters here. I think most people in my generation and the generation of college students currently don't view things this way.

Most in my and their generations view college sports opportunities like we would view at-will employment. If we are unhappy in a particular situation, we should leave it. If we find an opportunity that is better than our current job, we should pursue it.

With the change in the transfer rules, players now are like at-will employees in that they can leave a school for whatever reason without penalty.

 

[Gabe Sifuentes]

I imagine I'm on the younger end of posters here.

I agree with all of this except not playing Creighton (which you probably just said in jest). I hope Coach Bluder schedules Creighton next year. I hope she schedules other athletic and defensive teams that will challenge us. IMO the best way for us to prepare to play a team like that in March is to face and overcome those challenges earlier in the year.

The problem with playing Creighton is that it's a scrimmage. If we're going to play Creighton, make it a home and home and an ongoing series so at least it helps SOS even if we lose. There are plenty of DII schools or high-level mid-majors that Iowa could rotate scrimmages with each year.

You will always have that potential for a tourney draw, and I think the familiarity with one team is a drawback because it's much easier for them the opponent to gameplan. I know Iowa could have one the game had we executed, but I still prefer making the opponent need to spend time scouting.

 

[BGHAWK]

I imagine I'm on the younger end of posters here. I think most people in my generation and the generation of college students currently don't view things this way.

Most in my and their generations view college sports opportunities like we would view at-will employment. If we are unhappy in a particular situation, we should leave it. If we find an opportunity that is better than our current job, we should pursue it.

With the change in the transfer rules, players now are like at-will employees in that they can leave a school for whatever reason without penalty.

Did Lisa run them off? If not, they quit on Iowa. You can waffle all you want, facts are facts regardless how old you are. Give it a rest.

 

[Gabe Sifuentes]

I imagine I'm on the younger end of posters here. I think most people in my generation and the generation of college students currently don't view things this way.

Most in my and their generations view college sports opportunities like we would view at-will employment. If we are unhappy in a particular situation, we should leave it. If we find an opportunity that is better than our current job, we should pursue it.

With the change in the transfer rules, players now are like at-will employees in that they can leave a school for whatever reason without penalty.

I don't like the transfer portal but it is what it is. Iowa just needs to do a better job using the portal as a supplement to the roster. Both the mens and womens teams have not been active enough in the portal.

I think Fran is embracing it more this year. Lisa is still fairly hesitant with the exception of Kylie last year.

 

[BraydonRoberts5]

Did Lisa run them off? If not, they quit on Iowa. You can waffle all you want, facts are facts regarding how old you are. Give it a rest.

This isn't a fact. Whether you consider a player leaving to be "quitting" on a team is a matter of opinion.

Do you think Coach Bluder quit on Logan and Tomi? They had eligibility that could have been used at Iowa and she chose to move on.

 

[Gabe Sifuentes]

Did Lisa run them off? If not, they quit on Iowa. You can waffle all you want, facts are facts regarding how old you are. Give it a rest.

Megan leaving upset me more than Lauren. Times have changed. We can't expect players to sit for three years to start as seniors. Megan had solid minutes for a backup but can't blame her for wanting to start.

I don't like the portal but I don't expect every player to stay and graduate from Iowa. Players want to play. The days of "loyalty" to a team ended the moment the rule changed.

 

[BGHAWK]

This isn't a fact. Whether you consider a player leaving to be "quitting" on a team is a matter of opinion.

Do you think Coach Bluder quit on Logan and Tomi? They had eligibility that could have been used at Iowa and she chose to move on.

Did/will Tomi and Logan graduate before they leave?

 

[crstuff]

No one talking about Tomi and Logan.

 

[BraydonRoberts5]

Did/will Tomi and Logan graduate before they leave?

So graduation is the determining factor in whether a player "quit" on their team? Did Keegan Murray quit on the Iowa men?

 

[Gabe Sifuentes]

Did/will Tomi and Logan graduate before they leave?

Logan is entering as a grad transfer. I'm not sure about Tomi but I assume she will graduate.

 

[Randon]

South Carolina's A. Boston won the Naismith Player of the Year Award today . What a joke! She happened to be the best player on a Final Four team but certainly not nationally. Caitlin Clark led the country in both ppg and assists per game (which has never been done before) and clearly was the best player in the nation. Here's an interesting stat: Clark led the nation in scoring - Boston was 89th !

 

[brfhilltop]

Or did we as fans quit on Megan and Lauren, Tomi, Logan. I one time heard Hayden Fry make the comment he would never stand in the way of someone that wanted to improve themselves. This past season I heard a wbb coach make a comment about the portal. She said she didn't like the portal, but times are changing and we as coaches need to change along with the times. She then went on to say kids want to play and if we as coaches don't find them minutes they are going to leave.
People that have read my posts know that I have been very critical on players and coaches from time to time, I guess it's just the zeal I have for the game.
I'm on the scale end with the old people, and the one thing I've learned is people don't like change. Things in wbb have been changing rapidly, the rules, style of play, size of players. (back when I was in school 5' 10"-6ft girl was tall). Now you need a center that is 6'-5" tall to compete. Maryland has a guard that is as tall as our center, times are changing. I look upon our coaches as old school in a lot of ways and are going to have to change to keep up. As a whole they do a very good job.

 

[undersized_post]

To add to our "transfer wish list." An athletic combo guard from Notre Dame and an Illinois native. Lost her starting spot to a freshman (Sonia Citron who was on the U19 team with Caitlin this go around), but she is very talented and would add a sorely lacking dimension to our backcourt -- a secondary ball handler who can create for herself and others as well as play quality defense.

 

[KyleHuesmann]

Hawkeye Beacon - Caitlin Clark deserves NPOY

All due respect to Aliyah Boston, but the best women's college basketball player this season is Caitlin Clark.

iowa.rivals.com

 

[jockos]

I agree with all of this except not playing Creighton (which you probably just said in jest). I hope Coach Bluder schedules Creighton next year. I hope she schedules other athletic and defensive teams that will challenge us. IMO the best way for us to prepare to play a team like that in March is to face and overcome those challenges earlier in the year.

Good point - Iowa is going to be challenged by more athletic teams in the Phil Knight event in Portland next season with Duke, Oregon St., and UCONN involved. Then add in the BIG/ACC Challenge where they likely will play Louisville, UNC, or Notre Dame. Like was said even if they don't fare well it prepares them for the BIG and beyond later in the season.

I'd like to see them find a way to work Creighton in the schedule too on a home/away basis. Maybe drop Drake for a few years for choosing not to come to Carver to make up the cancelled game when both teams had an open weekend LOL.

 

[BraydonRoberts5]

Good point - Iowa is going to be challenged by more athletic teams in the Phil Knight event in Portland next season with Duke, Oregon St., and UCONN involved. Then add in the BIG/ACC Challenge where they likely will play Louisville, UNC, or Notre Dame. Like was said even if they don't fare well it prepares them for the BIG and beyond later in the season.

I'd like to see them find a way to work Creighton in the schedule too on a home/away basis. Maybe drop Drake for a few years for choosing not to come to Carver to make up the cancelled game when both teams had an open weekend LOL.

Assuming we actually play UConn in Portland, I'm really looking forward to next year's non-conference schedule. UConn, Iowa State, and the ACC opponent will all likely be some of the best teams in the country. Duke/Oregon State will challenge us athletically as you said. Round that out with some good mid-major tests (which Coach Bluder is really good at finding), and that's a really good non-conference schedule.

At worst, it prepares us well for March and boosts our metrics. At best... well, we were a 2 seed this year with a weak non-conference schedule. If we win a couple games against top teams and also win the conference again, a #1 seed couple be in play.

 

[brfhilltop]

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To add to our "transfer wish list." An athletic combo guard from Notre Dame and an Illinois native. Lost her starting spot to a freshman (Sonia Citron who was on the U19 team with Caitlin this go around), but she is very talented and would add a sorely lacking dimension to our backcourt -- a secondary ball handler who can create for herself and others as well as play quality defense.

This is a interesting portal prospect that could play both point and shooting guard positions, just what this team could use.
But there is no shame in losing your starting spot to Citron. I watched ever game that the USA U19 played and she was good, or as they say today, she got game. I wish Caitlin could have brought Sonia along back to Iowa City.
What is interesting is Peoples is a former McDonalds all american. ? why are there so many former McDonalds all americans in the portal. Have they been hearing for so many years how great they are, and as soon as someone comes along that replaces them they bolt. Or do they get caught up in the recruiting and press that they really don't understand the whole process, so when the blue bloods come calling they jump on board. Makes me glad that Caitlin took her time and hopefully got it right.

 

[undersized_post]

 

[KyleHuesmann]

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I really like Scalia’s game. Hopefully she stays inside the Big Ten.

 

[georgesportsfan]

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Wow. Never saw that coming. Gophers have a top 10 recruiting class lead by Mara Braun. So they will be very young.

Can Sara fit at Iowa? She would have 2 years eligibility w covid year.
I somehow could visualize Abbey Meyers on Iowa. She also has 2 years since Ivy cancelled 2021 season. Not much interested in ND Peoples. she had a couple of years and HS success didnt translate in DI.

Scaila transfer with eligibility appears to mean she want to win and contend. In a previous post i mentioned we could use a legit regular 3rd scorer. Maybe? Her role this year was to BE the scorer.
Interesting. If not Hawks then Indiana who needs players. Maryland to replace Benzan.

Crazy college days in the portal.

I just dont want Hawks to miss out on a piece that makes them a legit top 4 / final 4 candidate.

Nothing wrong with our roster and incoming but ... Who will be the regular or more number 3 scorer.

 

[KyleHuesmann]

Wow. Never saw that coming. Gophers have a top 10 recruiting class lead by Mara Braun. So they will be very young.

Can Sara fit at Iowa? She would have 2 years eligibility w covid year.
I somehow could visualize Abbey Meyers on Iowa. She also has 2 years since Ivy cancelled 2021 season. Not much interested in ND Peoples. she had a couple of years and HS success didnt translate in DI.

Scaila transfer with eligibility appears to mean she want to win and contend. In a previous post i mentioned we could use a legit regular 3rd scorer. Maybe? Her role this year was to BE the scorer.
Interesting. If not Hawks then Indiana who needs players. Maryland to replace Benzan.

Crazy college days in the portal.

I just dont want Hawks to miss out on a piece that makes them a legit top 4 / final 4 candidate.

Nothing wrong with our roster and incoming but ... Who will be the regular or more number 3 scorer.

Scalia is going to want to start and she won’t get that at Iowa.

 

[BGHAWK]

So graduation is the determining factor in whether a player "quit" on their team? Did Keegan Murray quit on the Iowa men?

There seems to be a difference between a player who leaves after one or two years and one who graduates. A player having an opportunity to go pro is different as well. We have a difference of opinion, and I respect yours.

 

[BGHAWK]

Sorry if I missed it, McCabe won the 3 point shooting contest over two other women and it wasn't close, and lost to a guy in the mixed event 17-19.

 

[Terrykohawk]

Scalia is going to want to start and she won’t get that at Iowa.

I would think given her success at U of MN that she would have a shot at starting at Iowa at SG but I will defer to you as you are much closer to the program than the rest of us. Thanks for keeping us informed on Bluder’s team. Much appreciated.

 

[brfhilltop]

Lisa doesn't seem to be the coach that would bring in a transfer and start them over a player she recruited and who has put in the work and is a team player. Maybe thats what Clark meant when she said Lisa was a players coach.

 

[KyleHuesmann]

I would think given her success at U of MN that she would have a shot at starting at Iowa at SG but I will defer to you as you are much closer to the program than the rest of us. Thanks for keeping us informed on Bluder’s team. Much appreciated.

She is talented enough to start, but I don’t believe Bluder will bring someone in to break up a starting lineup that has been the same for 2 years.

 

[LinusPF]

Lisa doesn't seem to be the coach that would bring in a transfer and start them over a player she recruited and who has put in the work and is a team player. Maybe thats what Clark meant when she said Lisa was a players coach.

I hope Lisa never changes.

 

[undersized_post]

Not saying I think Scalia should or will be brought in. But what intrigues me the most about her is that in addition to being a scorer, she also has experience running the point, having taken on that role for Minnesota midyear after Powell left. So as a combo guard in our system, she could spell both Marshall and Clark without a significant offensive drop off. That's what I hope Kylie and Taylor can develop into!

Also shared the tweet about her transferring just because it affects an opponent we'll probably play twice again next year.

 

[BraydonRoberts5]

Scalia offers far more offensive upside than Marshall imo. She's an excellent three-point shooter with significant volume, and she has range that's as close to Clark's as you will find in the conference. She also rebounds much better than Marshall does, and can play some PG as undersized_post mentioned.

For those who want a clear 3rd scorer, Scalia would absolutely fit. Marshall shoots the three well, but she's more passive and passes up open shots from time to time. Scalia wouldn't. She can also attack the basket some, though she doesn't shoot a great percentage from two. Her downside is defense. She's not a great defender and would be a downgrade from Marshall.

Would she help Iowa and have a chance of starting? I think so. Scalia in the starting lineup would be an admission that we're going to have to beat teams by scoring 90 points on them. She would hurt an already rough defense. But she would also help our offense and make it more likely that we don't have a Creighton game again. Will the coaches actually pursue her? I doubt it.

 

[mphawk]

Not saying I think Scalia should or will be brought in. But what intrigues me the most about her is that in addition to being a scorer, she also has experience running the point, having taken on that role for Minnesota midyear after Powell left. So as a combo guard in our system, she could spell both Marshall and Clark without a significant offensive drop off. That's what I hope Kylie and Taylor can develop into!

Also shared the tweet about her transferring just because it affects an opponent we'll probably play twice again next year.

Here is the Star Tribune article:

Gophers star guard Sara Scalia enters NCAA transfer portal

The Stillwater native was coach Lindsay Whalen's first recruit for the Gophers.

www.startribune.com

I don't know what to think about Whalen. Besides Scalia, another starter and two off the bench are in the portal too. This on top of ABT Second Team Jasmine Powell leaving the team during the season. They are down to only four returning players, with a highly rated, all MN HS four player class coming in. She is revered in the state and knows how to recruit, but there is constant drama between her and the players. ABT first team Destiny Pitts left two years ago.

I doubt Scalia would be interested in Iowa. She would be looking to be the missing piece on a championship team. This story is more about the mess the Minnesota WBB team is in.