*****Ashland vs Iowa Exh. Game Thread*****

[Kceasthawk@77]

I think Hannah has 5 skills with a 4 frame. It would be fantastic if she can transition more of a 4 with an outside shot. Does Iowa have a 4 with good size on their recruiting list?

I see your sarcasm there.......

 

[UpstreamHawkeye]

4 is the player that faces the basket, attacking from outside with the ball. 5 is the player with the back to the basket, stationed around the basket and receiving the ball from outside.

 

[Kceasthawk@77]

I don't know.

In the women's game...an effective 4, I think, can be 6'2" with a 15' jumper.
To me, that should be the portal target next spring.

Uh, the portal? So have you guys not heard of this girl named Mckenna Wolickzo? You know the number one rated 4 in the nation?

 

[Bunsen82]

I totally agree. Jan said shes only been in the US for three years and had never played in a system anything like the structure Iowa has. The biggest issue Jan will have involving her is who's minutes is she taking, Hannahs or Kylies. Still a good problem.

Most likely Kylies and McCabes. We seem to have less guard depth than post depth.

 

[HIWILLE]

Perhaps, but I think it will take time to adjust to the physicality of the B1G.

JJ will have a plan.

Portal. One year player would be nice.

 

[IA79Cam]

I don't know.

In the women's game...an effective 4, I think, can be 6'2" with a 15' jumper.
To me, that should be the portal target next spring.

Umm woliczko?

 

[Anon1750875978]

Most likely Kylies and McCabes. We seem to have less guard depth than post depth.

Agree, and different matchups against different teams.

 

[HIWILLE]

On regards to Houston I stated this about a year ago on Hawkeye report about her quick feet. She will get a lot of rebounds and she will draw a lot of fouls. She just has that nack to be around the ball, very quick. I watched her for four years in high school. I can tell you she will be pushing for minutes. It will be fun to see her develop over this season and the next. You gotta remember this girl was ranked in the top 30 at one time before her knee injury.

 

[citizenHawk1]

So much praise and dismissal after an exhibition game. For some perspective, Mallegni was one of the stars of last year's game.

Speaking of Mallegni, she played all of one minute last night. Not really a fair trial if you are wondering about her development.

Speaking of fair trials, it was Deal's first time on court as a freshman. Maybe put a pause on negative assessment? And added weight? From when? Video clips of her playing when she was 17? Just stop.

 

[pablow]

As far as Emily's minutes, what players beside Hannah, Ava, and Chit-Chat could arguably be entitled to minutes? I'm surprised Jan would say she was concerned about finding her minutes. I hope Jan didn't mean that.

 

[hawkbr]

Deal gave flashes of what she can do and I liked it. The play of the game was her the shot almost from the logo. I wouldn't have minded if she had shot more times from 3-point. That's what exhibition games are for. I also liked her 5 assists, but she was very very nervous, which is understandable for a freshman debut with so much expectation on her. She's going to be great during the season. I still think our best lineup will be:
1- Chit Chat
2- Deal
3- Rodriguez
4- Hannah
5- Heiden.

At some point I think this will be the starting lineup and I hope it's soon so we arrive at the conference games with the team already adjusted.

 

[iThinkiWill]

So much praise and dismissal after an exhibition game. For some perspective, Mallegni was one of the stars of last year's game.

Speaking of Mallegni, she played all of one minute last night. Not really a fair trial if you are wondering about her development.

Speaking of fair trials, it was Deal's first time on court as a freshman. Maybe put a pause on negative assessment? And added weight? From when? Video clips of her playing when she was 17? Just stop.

 

[iThinkiWill]

This interview gives me a lot of confidence for this season.

 

[iThinkiWill]

great defense but I don’t expect a lot of scoring

I would not be surprised if she were to average double figures.

 

[iThinkiWill]

She's making an impression...

… [positive] impression

 

[Anon1750875978]

Nm

 

[Hawk14]

My two most pleasant surprises of the night were Rodriquez and Houston. Rodriguez appears to have a skill set that I have not witnessed in recent times in a Hawkeye uniform. I know someone compared her to Warnock. Obviously it’s to soon to compare but my initial opinion is it remains to be seen if she can be a knockout “3” like Warnock but she certainly seems to be much stronger at getting to the hoop and finishing. She also seem quicker getting to the hoop. she looks like a great get for the Hawks.

My take on Houston is “why have we not been talking about this young lady?” She really seemed solid and appears to be one of those players that can get a lot done that doesn’t show up in the box score. It will be very interesting to see how she develops and if she pushes her way into the playing time picture. This should be a really good group and, like all of us, I can hardly wait for the Big 10 season.

 

[hawkbr]

My two most pleasant surprises of the night were Rodriquez and Houston. Rodriguez appears to have a skill set that I have not witnessed in recent times in a Hawkeye uniform. I know someone compared her to Warnock. Obviously it’s to soon to compare but my initial opinion is it remains to be seen if she can be a knockout “3” like Warnock but she certainly seems to be much stronger at getting to the hoop and finishing. She also seem quicker getting to the hoop. she looks like a great get for the Hawks.

My take on Houston is “why have we not been talking about this young lady?” She really seemed solid and appears to be one of those players that can get a lot done that doesn’t show up in the box score. It will be very interesting to see how she develops and if she pushes her way into the playing time picture. This should be a really good group and, like all of us, I can hardly wait for the Big 10 season.

Journey Houston was a 5-star recruit, #19 in first ESPN ranking in the 2025 class. She dropped several positions after her injury, so she's an underrated talent.

 

[nu2u]

My two most pleasant surprises of the night were Rodriquez and Houston. Rodriguez appears to have a skill set that I have not witnessed in recent times in a Hawkeye uniform. I know someone compared her to Warnock. Obviously it’s to soon to compare but my initial opinion is it remains to be seen if she can be a knockout “3” like Warnock but she certainly seems to be much stronger at getting to the hoop and finishing. She also seem quicker getting to the hoop. she looks like a great get for the Hawks.

My take on Houston is “why have we not been talking about this young lady?” She really seemed solid and appears to be one of those players that can get a lot done that doesn’t show up in the box score. It will be very interesting to see how she develops and if she pushes her way into the playing time picture. This should be a really good group and, like all of us, I can hardly wait for the Big 10 season.

I’ve been wondering and asking about Houston for some time. She was completely overshadowed by the publicity around Deal. Props to HIWILLE for giving us some first hand accounts.

 

[Tenacious E_rivals41982]

Watched the replay and I could not be more impressed by Rodriguez. The way she moves and shoots she has a future in the W, imho. Reminds me quite a bit of Lucy actually.

 

[Bunsen82]

I do as well. Unfortunately I think some are trying to base her 5 star rating off CC22. Clark was an "apex predator" is how some decsribed her. Basically MJ and Kobe type who wanted to destroy you. Deal is not that, but she has all the tools to be a very good player, and I think it will happen fairly quickly. She certainly make an impact this year.

Some seem to forget Clark struggled some her freshman year as well - defense especially.

 

[Bunsen82]

So much praise and dismissal after an exhibition game. For some perspective, Mallegni was one of the stars of last year's game.

Speaking of Mallegni, she played all of one minute last night. Not really a fair trial if you are wondering about her development.

Speaking of fair trials, it was Deal's first time on court as a freshman. Maybe put a pause on negative assessment? And added weight? From when? Video clips of her playing when she was 17? Just stop.

Mallegni was the 2nd or 3rd player off the bench. Acting as if she may transfer because she got 1 minute due to an injury seems short sighted. Most likely her and Rodriguez are fighting for the 4 spot depending on roster construction and then Wolizcko potentially becoming a bigger part as the season goes on.

 

[hawkbr]

Some seem to forget Clark struggled some her freshman year as well - defense especially.

The comparison to CC is unfair, but let's not rewrite history to give flowers to Addie.

CC debut: 27 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals. 2nd game: 30 points, 13 assists, 3 rebounds, 4 steals. Twelve 30-point games in her freshman year. FOTY. Deal will be the best version of herself possible, and we will support her. Just don't compare anyone to CC.

 

[Amahawk]

Mallegni was the 2nd or 3rd player off the bench. Acting as if she may transfer because she got 1 minute due to an injury seems short sighted. Most likely her and Rodriguez are fighting for the 4 spot depending on roster construction and then Wolizcko potentially becoming a bigger part as the season goes on.

Wolizco?

 

[Bunsen82]

Wolizco?

Yes the number 5 rated recruit that committed that is a PF.

 

[Bunsen82]

The comparison to CC is unfair, but let's not rewrite history to give flowers to Addie.

CC debut: 27 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals. 2nd game: 30 points, 13 assists, 3 rebounds, 4 steals. Twelve 30-point games in her freshman year. FOTY. Deal will be the best version of herself possible, and we will support her. Just don't compare anyone to CC.

Read the post dumb*ss- I said she had some struggles especially defensively. Nothing of your stats discuss her defensive woes. At no point have I given flowers to Addie, she is a freshman and this was 1 exhibition game. She won’t be Clark. I do think she can be a really good offensive player.

 

[Amahawk]

Yes the number 5 rated recruit that committed that is a PF.

You must have been referring to next season.

 

[Gillh2o]

Read the post dumb*ss- I said she had some struggles especially defensively. Nothing of your stats discuss her defensive woes. At no point have I given flowers to Addie, she is a freshman and this was 1 exhibition game. She won’t be Clark. I do think she can be a really good offensive player.

Read the post dumb*ss- I said she had some struggles especially defensively. Nothing of your stats discuss her defensive woes. At no point have I given flowers to Addie, she is a freshman and this was 1 exhibition game. She won’t be Clark. I do think she can be a really good offensive player.

 

[hawkbr]

Read the post dumb*ss- I said she had some struggles especially defensively. Nothing of your stats discuss her defensive woes. At no point have I given flowers to Addie, she is a freshman and this was 1 exhibition game. She won’t be Clark. I do think she can be a really good offensive player.

Let's keep the polite and good level conversation, please. CC had one of the best freshman years in history. That's very distance from “Clark struggled some her freshman year”.

 

[Bunsen82]

Let's keep the polite and good level conversation, please. CC had one of the best freshman years in history. That's very distance from “Clark struggled some her freshman year”.

Sorry your posts come off as some of the posts in the Off topic forum without acknowledging the facts. Let’s discuss logically- read my initial post- I said she had some struggles specifically on the defensive side. Remembering back to the freshman year I remember some passes that the other offensive players weren’t ready for and some bad shots for the flow or points of the game. Our team was still a work in progress and Clark was still figuring out how to become a leader and lead her team. I remember several Ole’s on defense not much different that what most are being critical on here of deal.

The majority of my post was a point that offensive players can struggle on the defensive side. It often takes a year to maintain the defensive intensity required to be successful. I am one of the biggest Clark fans out there but please don’t sugar coat Clark especially her freshman season. There are multiple articles out there speaking of the struggles her freshman year, the tantrums and discussions with Bluder and the coaches. Specifically on being a leader and learning how to push her teammates to be better with the fine line of not being a total jerk. She still became one of the greatest players to play college basketball. Sports is all about the struggle, no one is given success.

 

[Bunsen82]

Nm

 

[hawkbr]

Sorry your posts come off as some of the posts in the Off topic forum without acknowledging the facts. Let’s discuss logically- read my initial post- I said she had some struggles specifically on the defensive side. Remembering back to the freshman year I remember some passes that the other offensive players weren’t ready for and some bad shots for the flow or points of the game. Our team was still a work in progress and Clark was still figuring out how to become a leader and lead her team. I remember several Ole’s on defense not much different that what most are being critical on here of deal.

The majority of my post was a point that offensive players can struggle on the defensive side. It often takes a year to maintain the defensive intensity required to be successful. I am one of the biggest Clark fans out there but please don’t sugar coat Clark especially her freshman season. There are multiple articles out there speaking of the struggles her freshman year, the tantrums and discussions with Bluder and the coaches. Specifically on being a leader and learning how to push her teammates to be better with the fine line of not being a total jerk. She still became one of the greatest players to play college basketball. Sports is all about the struggle, no one is given success.

Sorry, but no. Caitlin didn't struggle in her freshman year. What you described about CC are trivial situations, not struggle. She never was and never will be a good defensive player, and yet she’s the great of all time. Nobody really cares about defense in an exhibition game against a DII team. Caitlin scored 27 points in her debut, if Deal had scored 17 points in her debut, she would be the most praised player in the game, but she scored 7 points, and that's fine. She'll be fine, but there's simply no correlation that can be made between Deal and CC. But you have the right to think differently. That's okay.

 

[hawkbr]

Sorry your posts come off as some of the posts in the Off topic forum without acknowledging the facts. Let’s discuss logically- read my initial post- I said she had some struggles specifically on the defensive side. Remembering back to the freshman year I remember some passes that the other offensive players weren’t ready for and some bad shots for the flow or points of the game. Our team was still a work in progress and Clark was still figuring out how to become a leader and lead her team. I remember several Ole’s on defense not much different that what most are being critical on here of deal.

The majority of my post was a point that offensive players can struggle on the defensive side. It often takes a year to maintain the defensive intensity required to be successful. I am one of the biggest Clark fans out there but please don’t sugar coat Clark especially her freshman season. There are multiple articles out there speaking of the struggles her freshman year, the tantrums and discussions with Bluder and the coaches. Specifically on being a leader and learning how to push her teammates to be better with the fine line of not being a total jerk. She still became one of the greatest players to play college basketball. Sports is all about the struggle, no one is given success.

And don't take it personally, don't try to attack or offend me rudely or by telling me that people are talking badly about me in off-topic forums to prove that your point of view is superior to mine, because I didn't ask you anything about that. It's not a dispute. We can have different opinions and maintain mutual respect. I'm not offending you or attacking you personally. I'm just debating ideas and points of view politely and respectfully.

 

[Kceasthawk@77]

Some seem to forget Clark struggled some her freshman year as well - defense especially.

True, but its easy for most to overlook struggles when you average 27 pts and 5 assists per game. I never expected AD to do that but I could see her at 10-14 pts, 4 or 5 assists and 5 boards and a better defender then CC22 was a freshman. Clarks biggest issue the first year plus was fitting into the team concept and understanding she couldn't do it all. This will not be an issue with Deal.

 

[Kceasthawk@77]

Sorry your posts come off as some of the posts in the Off topic forum without acknowledging the facts. Let’s discuss logically- read my initial post- I said she had some struggles specifically on the defensive side. Remembering back to the freshman year I remember some passes that the other offensive players weren’t ready for and some bad shots for the flow or points of the game. Our team was still a work in progress and Clark was still figuring out how to become a leader and lead her team. I remember several Ole’s on defense not much different that what most are being critical on here of deal.

The majority of my post was a point that offensive players can struggle on the defensive side. It often takes a year to maintain the defensive intensity required to be successful. I am one of the biggest Clark fans out there but please don’t sugar coat Clark especially her freshman season. There are multiple articles out there speaking of the struggles her freshman year, the tantrums and discussions with Bluder and the coaches. Specifically on being a leader and learning how to push her teammates to be better with the fine line of not being a total jerk. She still became one of the greatest players to play college basketball. Sports is all about the struggle, no one is given success.

Absolutely. CC22 was generational talent, but theres a reason she was never a team captain until her senior season. And thats not a knock on her skills either.

 

[Bunsen82]

Sorry, but no. Caitlin didn't struggle in her freshman year.

Absolutely. CC22 was generational talent, but theres a reason she was never a team captain until her senior season. And thats not a knock on her skills either.

Even great players struggle, the struggles are a different sometimes. BR you really need to read the espn article on Clark, especially the freshman year paragraphs.

Caitlin Clark and Iowa find peace in the process

She overcame trust issues and chartered a yacht. Now Caitlin Clark is ready for March.

www.espn.com

It’s become clear through these posts, you think I was slighting Clark, I wasn’t. I also felt you weren’t reading my posts,, just taking a snippet and extrapolating an entire post that wasn’t representative of my original post.

It’s pretty clear me and you see basketball differently, it’s a combo of offense and defense and working well with your teammates.

 

[iThinkiWill]

My two most pleasant surprises of the night were Rodriquez and Houston. Rodriguez appears to have a skill set that I have not witnessed in recent times in a Hawkeye uniform. I know someone compared her to Warnock. Obviously it’s to soon to compare but my initial opinion is it remains to be seen if she can be a knockout “3” like Warnock but she certainly seems to be much stronger at getting to the hoop and finishing. She also seem quicker getting to the hoop. she looks like a great get for the Hawks.

My take on Houston is “why have we not been talking about this young lady?” She really seemed solid and appears to be one of those players that can get a lot done that doesn’t show up in the box score. It will be very interesting to see how she develops and if she pushes her way into the playing time picture. This should be a really good group and, like all of us, I can hardly wait for the Big 10 season.

Could Rodriguez lead this team in scoring

Houston had 7 rebounds (3 offensive - tied for team most with Stuelke and Hays) in just over eleven minutes of court time and was 2-3 FG for 4 points, yet she was a minus 2 on the score board. She got Mallegni’s minutes.

 

[Hawk14]

Deal is still the ”Real Deal”. Having coached JUCO women’s ball for 20 years I have witnessed the time it takes for players to develop at the next level. They are trying to identify their role and trying to fit in with their teammates, along with all the other issues college freshmen encounter. Put me down as a big time believer In the huge value Addie will bring to the Hawkeyes in the next 4 years. She will be the best she can be and that will be special.

 

[Franisdaman]

check this out & watch:

 

[Kceasthawk@77]

Could Rodriguez lead this team in scoring

Houston had 7 rebounds (3 offensive - tied for team most with Stuelke and Hays) in just over eleven minutes of court time and was 2-3 FG for 4 points, yet she was a minus 2 on the score board. She got Mallegni’s minutes.

lololo... COULD we wait till later in the actual season to make such assessments? Literally anyone of 5 or 6 players COULD lead Iowa in scoring...