Expectations?

2025-2026 Season: Inconsistent Performance​

• We had only one to two players who could consistently create offense.
• When key players got into foul trouble or missed time due to injury, we didn't have enough depth to overcome it.
• We generated a lot of open three-point opportunities, but as a team we were unable to knock them down consistently.
• The loss of McCabe for the season had a significant impact on our depth and scoring.
• When Ava was on the bench, there was a noticeable drop-off in both offensive and defensive play.
• Those limitations were exposed against elite teams like Connecticut and UCLA, resulting in some lopsided losses.
• Defensively, we were a solid team, but when you struggle to score consistently, every game becomes harder to win.

2026-2027 Season: Much Higher Ceiling​

• I believe Iowa is improved at nearly every position offensively and defensively, with Kylie being the one exception that remains difficult to replace.
• How much Jocelyn and Amari contribute remains to be seen, but both have the potential to make an impact.
• Overall, this roster is far more balanced offensively than last year's team.

1. If opponents focus on stopping the perimeter and Iowa consistently hits open threes, Ava should dominate in the post.
2. If Dani has another season like she did last year, Iowa will have a tremendous year.
3. If players such as Layla, Chit, McKenna, Strem, Journey, Amari, Jocelyn, and Bria take the next step, this team could be very difficult to defend.
4. Defensively, Iowa should be strong. Offensively, there are far more scoring options than a year ago.
5. The biggest factor is consistency. If this team can play consistently night after night, they have the potential to be exceptional.

KyleHuesmann said:

Have to go to the Crisler Center.

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Matt1nb7 said:

Taylor McCabe and Hannah Stuelke now eligible??

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Class of 2022 athletes set to receive fifth year of NCAA eligibility after judge grants injunction

The injunction stems from a lawsuit over the NCAA’s refusal to grandfather Class of 2022 athletes into its new 5-in-5 rule.

www.nytimes.com

Matt1nb7 said:

Taylor McCabe and Hannah Stuelke now eligible??

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Matt1nb7 said:

Taylor McCabe and Hannah Stuelke now eligible??

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Hawkeye_Miguel said:

Taylor isn't rehabbing with the intent of playing again, so she probably wouldn't be ready to go for most of next season anyway.

Hannah is a tricky one. She's extremely good at what she's good at: athleticism, rebounding, solid defense. But she also has notable deficiencies that impact how the team can play with her on the floor. She's undersized as a 5, and Ava is clearly ahead of her at that position. If she comes back as a 4, her outside game doesn't work with the 4-out offense the team has been working on all summer. If her goal is to eventually work her way to the W, I think she'd be better suited to go to Italy and really focus on expanding her range and improving her ball-handling.

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chuck285 said:

Since you're a JJ hater how about we have a bet? Right now I'll take Iowa to make it through the round of 64 to get into the final 32?

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Clarkedallas said:

Is Hannah a portal candidate?

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Ohio Herky said:

Even without McCabe, Iowa appears poised to take a significant step forward in 2026-27. The roster is deeper, more experienced, and far more balanced than the team that took the floor a year ago.
But if Taylor McCabe had been able to return healthy, the ceiling rises considerably.
What currently looks like a team capable of competing for a Big Ten championship could have become a legitimate Final Four contender. Her shooting, leadership, and experience would have addressed many of the weaknesses that limited Iowa during the previous season.
Bottom Line: Iowa has the talent to be very good in 2026-27. With a healthy Taylor McCabe added to this roster, the Hawkeyes might have had all the ingredients necessary for a deep March run and a realistic shot at returning to the sport's biggest stage.

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Kceasthawk@77 said:

I thought McCabe was at Notre Dame getting a masters and possibly working as a GA with the ball team?

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I am also excited to accept the Fred R. Havens scholarship from AISC. I am incredibly thankful for such a prestigious award and for my faculty at the University of Iowa for guiding me toward this… | Taylor McCabe

I am also excited to accept the Fred R. Havens scholarship from AISC. I am incredibly thankful for such a prestigious award and for my faculty at the University of Iowa for guiding me toward this opportunity. This is also my first time being recognized as a Master’s student at the University...

www.linkedin.com

Jonesy5960 said:

The last 2 seasons were young and lacking in perimeter talent. That's been rectified and I see this as a Big10 contender and Elite 8 as the floor. Whether they can go there or beyond depends on health and how well they can gel as a unit, but I think fans should be really excited about the possibilities. If Jan can keep this group together I think they are competing for a championship over the next few years.

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Kceasthawk@77 said:

I thought McCabe was at Notre Dame getting a masters and possibly working as a GA with the ball team?

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