Could you fools keep it to recruiting. Take your argument to the "off topic" location. I don't give two shits what candidate you like. I do come here looking for recruiting news. Take your hurt feels elsewhere, this is an adult discussion.
Iowa WBB 2025 Recruiting Thread
- Thread starter BraydonRoberts5
- Start date
I understand and I apologize to you and the rest of the basketball recruiting fans.
You just made my day. Go to the off-topic board Jr and arrange it. I’ll be looking in. Anytime Davenport or Eldridge. This bullshit here ends on the recruiting board.
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Iowa was well aware of her in 8th grade. She just has not been interested in going to Iowa. I'm quite positive if there was any mutual interest, Bluder would be all over her. Could she change her mind? Sure. All I know is that when Iowa comes up when I ask about her it's always an adamant no.
I think I told this story years ago but it seems like a good time to bring it up again. I coached a girl about 25 years ago named Charmaine. When she was a HS senior, Bluder was serious about taking a flier on her because she had an extra scholarship. Charmaine was a very talented 5'11 guard. The head coach called her in and told her Iowa was thinking about offering her a full ride to play basketball there, and sent her some information, including the media guide. He set it down in front of her - I think the cover was a takeoff of the Brady Bunch - Charmaine looked at the cover and said, "Nope.", and got up to leave. The HC tried explaining to her what all that meant - getting a full ride to college. Charmaine said, "Nope. Too white."
Instead she went to Kirkwood, got pregnant, and last I saw she was a police officer over in Illinois.
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anon_salmfilsntd0b
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I can edit...it's been 25 years and she's successful so I wasn't stressing it. Last time I posted it I didn't use it.
Lol I’m sorry but I had to. Thank you for sharing, always valuable insight! But maybe take her full name out?!?! Lmao
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anon_salmfilsntd0b
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so your saying she was being racist ?
see how see that is to call somebody a racist over something minor....
I’m not sure where you are going with this. Players in general locally have not had an issue on any perceptive racial issue. I believe it is more of an Iowa issue thinking the state is just all corn and boring. There is some African American players but it’s not a strong contingent. Our recruiting is improving so let’s just be happy with what we have had and where we are going. My faith is in Blude. Fans in general are viewed as a positive for supporting the program.
Not only do we get to read this guy telling us how to think politically, now he's added message board tough guy to his repertoire. How lucky we are. But the good news is we don't have to deal with him in daily life - I can't imagine the joy that would bring...
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anon_salmfilsntd0b
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My sweet child. I don't know how many more ways I can put this. Instead, I'll ask you some questions:
- Do you not recall that there was a national moment of discourse after the national championship game of 2023, in which the nation was strongly divided in how they felt about Angel Reese's behavior? Do you really think 100% of recruits, coaches and parents, were on the same side as Iowa fans? I will tell you right now that most were not, and very few black people were.
- Do you really think it such an unbelieveable coincidence that a player like Divine Bourrage, who frequently engages with content in support of Aliyah Boston, Angel Reese, and majority black teams like LSU and South Carolina -- which many Iowa fans have been spewing very negative things toward over the past couple of years -- (and which represent black excellence to millions of black americans) has zero interest in Iowa?
- Do you not think it's an issue for Iowa's recruiting when WNBA players, sports journalists, and influential social media personalities (who often, for example, host live "Spaces" on X featuring HCs from around the country, record podcasts, and write articles in influential publications) tweet out things like "Iowa has got to do something about its racist fans" -- and then are RT'd by 700 people?
- Do you not think it a problem that many of the top recruits in the country follow these accounts and engage with them, maybe even look to them for their opinion and guidance? They are also invited to appear on these podcasts, X Spaces, etc. Is it so hard to understand that if a WNBA player that thousands of little girls admire is saying these things, it's a problem?
- Do you not think it an issue that a large subset of NCAAW fans openly (and somewhat frequently) engage in conversations like "Should Hannah Stuelke transfer to play somewhere where she would better fit in?" or “Would you let your black kid play for Iowa?" (again, there are *much worse* topics of discussion out there -- this is tame).
- Do you not think it an issue that randos will reply to elite recruit updates on social media with comments like "Wherever you go, don't go to Iowa -- they're ****ing racist," or “As a black woman I could never cheer for Iowa”?
- Do you really think that I (everyone on this board's least favorite SJW) would cheer for a team headed up by a racist HC?
- Do you think that I don't see the hypocricy of labeling our program as racist while cheering for Kim Mulkey, a very problematic person?
- Do I believe a majority of Iowa fan are racist? The answer is no.
- Do you think this bullshit doesn't piss me off??? Of course it does! It is beyond frustrating.
And anyone who even remotely tries to pay attention to WBB news / discourse outside of Iowa sources/this board sees this. It’s served right up to you even if you aren’t looking for it, bc the engagement is so high. It’s ugly and it’s constant.
Again, if you're invested in this team but shocked by this, please vary where you get your info because you're living in a bubble.
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I’ve been around the block much longer than you. The allegations have not stuck. Otherwise we wouldn’t have any African American players. This has stuck with you.
All of this needs to be heard, but a lot of the fans that need to hear it are just going to double-down and dig in as if it doesn't exist. It seems they don't care that this narrative is out there and building, and actually think it's *your* posts here that would be used in negative recruiting. I don't get it.
I just hope that future recruits can look past all this stuff and see the opportunity and potential they have playing for Iowa.
*Truly wonder what the coaching staff thinks about all of it.
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anon_salmfilsntd0b
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It drives Raina nuts. She clapped back a bit in the fall and lots of ppl backtracked real fast.
This is certainly not true. A majority of fans clearly were not on Reese's side or supported her behavior at the end of the game. I mean, why else would Caitlin have had to come to Angel's defense but for the amount of criticism and blowback she was receiving? And without a doubt coaches aren't supporting that behavior. What Angel did at the end of that game was exactly what coaches teach their players not to do. Angel's behavior is now an example coaches use as a teaching point - not something they support.
I think most of you are overthinking how informed and methodical the average recruit's decision-making is. Some of them become interested in a school because they have cool uniforms - like Oregon football. And I would be willing to bet a majority can't even find us on the map.
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anon_salmfilsntd0b
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If that’s how you read the situation, I’m sorry but you’ve got Hawkeye blinders on. Or you may just have a different perspective than a typical young basketball player. If you don’t follow pop culture or WNBA athletes, or if you get your news locally, you can be forgiven.
Reese may be the villain in certain (white) circles. But trust that the wider world — especially Black America — was not impressed with Iowa. Angel Reese became a symbol of black excellence after that game. She now has 3 million IG followers. She was literally invited to the most exclusive party in the world just last week. She was in a Cardi B video. She is far from a pariah. She is very much a role model to thousands, if not millions of people, even if you don’t see why. Politicians, celebrities (actors, singers, you name it), NBA, NCAAW & WNBA players came out in support of Reese. And many supported her all season long, and rly pulled for her to be a champion again.
Ya know who they didn’t come out in support of? The Iowa fans, whom were very much depicted as the villain in that whole mess (and still are) bc a few racist psychos wouldn’t STFU.
Then why do you think Bourrage has zero interest in Iowa? Please share your thoughts. She certainly knows where Iowa is on the map. Thats the whole reason this topic is under discussion. To me it’s pretty obvious.
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I just put all you ignorant ****s on my ignorant list. Join the team ignorant ****.
None of those things prove or support the allegations you are making. The fact she became a celebrity among a certain audience and among certain sponsors because of her new-found fame doesn't in any way prove her behavior was celebrated or supported by coaches or families. Her bad girl persona played well with people like Cardi B and those who support that sort of genre - but that's not the larger audience overall.
And it's odd you claim Iowa fans are depicted as the villain when Angel herself admitted the college basketball world viewed her (and LSU) as the villains.
I'm not arguing the black community didn't rally behind Angel - that was largely true. But you are trying to make an argument about everyone - not just that community.
Finally, what one recruit thinks about Iowa is almost irrelevant. Of course recruits will look at certain schools and think it is or isn't for them - especially when you consider the demographics of their family, where they live, and where the school is. But trying to build any sort of argument based on what ONE recruit thinks makes absolutely no sense.
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I read enough and watched enough black people to know they were very much embarrassed by what Reese did...it was not just Iowa fans that thought this.....
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anon_salmfilsntd0b
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What audience do you think black college and high school basketball players fall within? Do you not think they’re the exact demographic that Cardi B creates music for? Do you not realize that is the exact pool of people we are trying to recruit to play basketball at Iowa??
We’re not trying to recruit your grandma from Cedar Rapids or your coworkers who tuned into one game and complained about bad sportsmanship. We’re trying to recruit 16 year old black girls who think Angel Reese is badass. We’re trying to recruit transfers who are probably friends with Angel or see much of themselves in her. We’re trying to recruit kids who want to be national champions — like Reese was! We’re trying to recruit the kids that look up to the W players shitting on Iowa and the athletes/celebrities that called out Iowa fans as racist.
Why is this so difficult to grasp? I’m not saying you need to do or think ANYTHING at all now — it makes zero difference to me what you do with this info. Just know that it’s not super crazy, to those of us who pay attention to this stuff, that Bourrage, Betts and Morrow all had absolutely zero interest in Iowa.
People keep asking “How have we not landed Bourrage? She’s right in our backyard!! It makes no sense.” Honey, it makes perfect sense, you just haven’t been paying attention.
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In my reply to you I pointed out you said a majority of coaches, etc. supported Reese's behavior. This is clearly not true. There is almost no good coach in America that would support Angel's behavior in that game. It's exactly the type of behavior they train players not to engage in.
As for Boston - given how classy she seems to be - I bet she absolutely was embarrassed for Angel - not a fan. She may not speak out against her because she too is a black woman, but that behavior seems completely antithetical to anything Boston would support.
And although I admit you are right regarding the support among a certain community - I think you are falling into the trap of believing an entire demographic thinks alike. I don't agree with that thought process.
I'd venture a guess that it certainly doesn't make it any easier to recruit all players--regardless of color. No way to know that, but when it comes down to various things tipping a balance between schools a negative perception doesn't help.
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anon_salmfilsntd0b
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Omg I see what you are refering to now lmao wow. Okay so I did not mean to assert that “100% of coaches endorsed Reese’s behavior” lol jfc. My point was that it is *certainly not* the case that *everyone* was on Iowa’s side during that whole mess. The nature of a heated discussion necessitates that people fall on both sides of a disagreement — there had to be people on the other side. And that includes players, coaches, journalists etc — these are stakeholders in NCAAW recruiting. Certainly some coaches felt one way while others felt another.
The person I was replying to clearly only saw one side (that of Iowa fans) and I was arguing that clearly some of those aforementioned stakeholders find themselves on the other side of the fence.
I do stand by my larger point which is that at the end of the day, the racism of certain Iowa fans (and non Iowa fans) overshadowed Reese’s poor sportsmanship. Most non-emotionally invested parties (*especially* in the larger WBB scene, I.e. fans of schools not named Iowa or LSU) came away with a worse opinion of Iowa fans than Reese. FWIW I’d be willing to bet that includes a lot of black coaches.
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You are so full of it. When it comes to race the only racist is you and your warped opinions of Iowans. But, now back you go to ignore.
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anon_salmfilsntd0b
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No doubt. But neither does cold weather, being in a farm state, limited NIL budgets, etc. The reality is the state isn't considered an attractive destination in general. As a person who has had the opportunity to work with a couple thousand people from around the country over the past few decades - it's rare to find anyone who has a good impression of what Iowa would be like to live in. That impression has nothing to do with the LSU game - it's just the fact Iowa is thought of as a small, rural, farm state overwhelmingly populated by country folk.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. I think Iowa is an awesome place to live. (except for some days in January and February). I'm just pointing out the perception that does exist in many places across the country.
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anon_salmfilsntd0b
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This is also 100% spot on. Iowa has long struggled to recruit for many reasons (others discussed elsewhere). They are compounding and intersect in many but not all ways. A lot of people on here like to lump them all in as one issue when they're not the same.
My point has ALWAYS been that the Angel Reese situation just added another layer of difficulty to what is already a tough hand for Bluder. The demographics of Iowa/IC and relative isolation are unique issues that she must overcome, and that whole mess made it much more complex.
I was thinking about this during Full Court Press — all the transitional overhead shots of farmland and mountains of snow…lol. It’s not endearing to everyone!
PLEASE GOD CAN WE MOVE ON NOW
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I specifically bolded it, underlined, and highlighted it in red. I assumed you saw what I was referring to.... It appears maybe the text I quoted isn't readily visible?
Full Court Press also featured a lot of gorgeous overhead shots looking into an absolutely packed CHA. An amazing advertisement for Iowa WBB (well, and State Farm) that every potential recruit will probably see.
By contrast to the UCLA games featured, the Hawkeye team appeared as rockstars on the biggest stage the game offers. Lines, signs, big games, big entrances, and winning basketball. I don't know how any recruit can watch that and not feel it.
By contrast to the UCLA games featured, the Hawkeye team appeared as rockstars on the biggest stage the game offers. Lines, signs, big games, big entrances, and winning basketball. I don't know how any recruit can watch that and not feel it.
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anon_salmfilsntd0b
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You're so right about all of this! I do think it was a huge net-positive for the program. I really really hope McGaughy and Hays and the rest all watched.
OMG, enough. Would the parties discussing racism please exchange telephone numbers. Talk among yourselves. Positions stated and restated. Minds made up. Let’s get back to discussing rumors about the future plans of 17 year old girls. You know, the reason for this conversation until opinionated societal observes highjacked the discussion!
Wow, did NOT expect to see Bluder retiring right now. Thought she'd stick around for a least a couple more years to see these new recruits work into the mix. At any rate, we have to wonder what impact this will have, not just on future recruiting, but with some of the commits we already have. With Jensen taking over, will we see a change in coaching/strategic styles? Anyway, I was a little floored to see this news today.
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anon_salmfilsntd0b
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Really hoping our class of 2025 isn’t done now…and we don’t lose anyone either…
I really don't think it is or we will..fingers crossed. Bluder may be gone but everything else is still in place. They may have had just as much or more interaction with Jensen as Bluder
If the remainder of the staff stays intact, I think they'll be fine. 🤞 Would be nice to get a commit from someone to settle some nerves. I'm sure they've already spoke with some prospects.
