Iowa Women's Basketball Season Preview 2024-25: Biggest Games, Key Players, and Predictions
Iowa Women's Basketball Season Preview 2024-25: Biggest Games, Key Players, and Predictions
As the 2024-25 season of Iowa Women's Basketball approaches, excitement fills the air. The Iowa Hawkeyes are ready to step back onto the court with renewed energy, though they face the daunting task of entering this campaign without two cornerstones: all-time leading scorer Caitlin Clark and long-time head coach Lisa Bluder. New head coach Jan Jensen takes the helm, determined to continue the Hawkeyes' incredible run of success, particularly in the NCAA Tournament. With a roster featuring eight returnees, five highly-touted freshmen, and one significant transfer, Iowa Women’s Basketball is looking to make waves this season.
Iowa's Key Games for the 2024-25 Season
The Iowa Women's Basketball Season Preview 2024-25 wouldn't be complete without analysing the schedule that lies ahead. The Hawkeyes are gearing up for a robust non conference slate, which includes some intense matchups with teams that also made it to the NCAA Tournament. First on the list is a repeat clash with ACC powerhouse Virginia Tech in the Ally Tipoff on November 10 in Charlotte, North Carolina. This will serve as a litmus test for the new-look Iowa team under Jensen’s leadership.
The Hawkeyes will also face Drake University on November 17, a fixture that has traditionally been a tough one, especially given Drake’s competitiveness within the Missouri Valley Conference. Following this, Iowa will travel to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to face Kansas on November 20. These early no conference matchups will be pivotal in assessing Iowa’s strengths and weaknesses before they head into their challenging Big Ten schedule.
Perhaps the most exciting non conference game in this Iowa Women's Basketball Season Preview 2024-25 is the clash against Tennessee in the Women's Champions Classic on December 7 in Brooklyn, New York. Tennessee is a perennial powerhouse in women’s basketball, and this game will be one to watch for both teams’ postseason aspirations. Finally, Iowa will meet their in-state rivals, Iowa State, in the much-anticipated Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series on December 11 in Iowa City, a game that promises high-intensity basketball.
Big Ten Battles Await
After navigating their non conference schedule, Iowa will take on 18 Big Ten opponents in what promises to be a challenging conference slate. The Iowa Women's Basketball Season Preview 2024-25 highlights a home-and-away setup with Nebraska, alongside matchups with some of the conference’s elite, including Indiana and Maryland, both of whom are expected to contend for the top spots. Iowa will also face traditional Big Ten foes such as Northwestern, Purdue, Rutgers, and Wisconsin, and embark on road trips to take on Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State, and Ohio State.
This season, the addition of former Pack powerhouses USC and UCLA to the Big Ten will add a new layer of competition. Iowa is scheduled to face these teams, bringing a West Coast challenge to the typically Midwest-heavy Big Ten. These matches will provide a unique test for Jan Jensen’s squad and are a focal point in this Iowa Women's Basketball Season Preview 2024-25.
Key Players to Watch
While the absence of Caitlin Clark leaves a noticeable void, the Iowa Women's Basketball Season Preview 2024-25 shines a light on several key players expected to step up and lead the Hawkeyes this season.
1. Lucy Olsen
The biggest offseason addition comes in the form of Lucy Olsen, a transfer from Villanova. Olsen is coming off a stellar season where she averaged an impressive 23.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. Her scoring ability will be crucial as Iowa looks to fill the offensive gap left by Clark’s departure. At five-foot-nine, Olsen brings versatility and a sharp shooting touch, boasting a 43.8% shooting average from the field. As the focal point of the offence, she’s expected to make waves in the Iowa Women's Basketball Season Preview 2024-25.
2. Sydney Affolter
A returning star for Iowa, Sydney Affolter will be a player to watch this season. Affolter’s journey from a spark off the bench to a key starter has been a remarkable one, particularly after stepping up when injuries hit last season. Affolter’s stats, including an 8.4 points per game average, 6.4 rebounds, and an impressive 55.2% shooting from the field, make her a crucial component of Iowa’s backcourt. Pairing her with Lucy Olsen could create a dynamic tandem that will drive Iowa’s offence in the Iowa Women's Basketball Season Preview 2024-25.
3. Hannah Stuck
Perhaps one of the most exciting returning players, Hannah Stuck has shown remarkable growth. Doubling her scoring average from 6.5 points per game to 14.0 last season, Stuck is poised to be a dominant presence in the paint. Standing at six-foot-two, she combines size and skill, shooting an incredible 62.7% from the field. In the Iowa Women's Basketball Season Preview 2024-25, Stuelke’s presence in the post will be essential for Iowa, especially as she looks to build on last season’s momentum.
Fresh Faces: Iowa’s Talented Freshman Class
No Iowa Women's Basketball Season Preview 2024-25 would be complete without mentioning the highly-touted freshman class. Iowa’s recruitment efforts have brought in five top prospects, all of whom were standout performers at the high school level. While it remains to be seen how quickly these freshmen will adjust to the collegiate level, they represent the future of Iowa women’s basketball.
Jan Jensen’s ability to integrate these young players into her system will be critical to Iowa’s success this season. Whether it’s finding a potential breakout star or developing depth for the future, the freshmen will play an essential role in the Iowa Women's Basketball Season Preview 2024-25.
Predictions for the 2024-25 Season
The Iowa Women's Basketball Season Preview 2024-25 suggests that while Iowa may not reach the offensive heights of recent seasons, they will still be a formidable force in the Big Ten. Lucy Olsen’s arrival, combined with Sydney Affolter’s continued growth and Hannah Stuelke’s dominance in the post, gives Iowa a well-rounded team capable of making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
The Hawkeyes are expected to win between 20-25 games, and while the absence of Caitlin Clark is substantial, their depth and talent should see them maintain their status as a Big Ten contender. The road ahead is tough, particularly with the addition of USC and UCLA to the conference, but Iowa will likely make their presence felt throughout the season.
Conclusion
The Iowa Women's Basketball Season Preview 2024-25 presents an exciting and challenging season ahead for the Hawkeyes. Under new leadership, Iowa will navigate a tough schedule with a mix of veteran leadership, talented newcomers, and a proven system. Fans should be prepared for an intense and thrilling season as Iowa looks to continue their streak of success in the NCAA Tournament.
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