Caitlin Clark and Iowa Women’s Basketball

Caitlin Clark is good. Really good.

Iowa’s freshman Caitlin Clark took home two awards today. She was named the Big Ten freshman of the week and at the same time the Big Ten player of the week. Not a bad start to her college career. In three games the 6-0 first-year player from West DesMoines Dowling is averaging 26.7 points per game and 5.3 rebounds per game. If you haven’t seen highlights of her, head on over to Twitter and check out her game. She’s smooth with the ball, she has an excellent crossover, she has great vision, and she has the Kobe confidence that all the great ones have. While you’re at it, you will be impressed with Coach Lisa Bluder’s squad. Coach Bluder has become one of the most respected coaches in college basketball. The development of the Iowa women’s program is exceptional.

Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

The 3-0 Hawks

There is something in the water fountains (oh wait, they’re probably turned off) in Carver Hawkeye Arena and the practice facility as both the men’s and women’s teams can flat out score points. Through three games Bluder’s Hawkeyes are averaging 94.7 points per game. Word on the street had Fran McCaffery muttering to himself, “Oh yeah, I’m not telling my guys to quit scoring anymore.” Austin Ash approves this message. Coach Bluder’s group can shoot the deep ball. Anyone can make a bunch of threes if that’s all they take. Iowa is shooting 42% from beyond the arc. McKenna Warnock (15.3 ppg / 8.3 reb) is shooting 56% from 3 and Gabbie Marshall (11.3 ppg) is filling it up from three at a 58.3% clip. Those numbers are unheard of. If you watch Iowa basketball you’ve become spoiled watching terrific post play. See Megan Gustafson and Luka Garza. The Hawkeyes have Monika Czinano (21.3 ppg / 6.3 rpg) in the paint and they do a nice job of spacing the court and feeding her down low. This will continue to be a winning recipe as inside-out three point shots are one of the best, highest percentage plays in basketball.

Iowa State Upcoming

The Hawkeyes face 2-2 Iowa State on Wednesday, Dec 9th. The Cyclones have played a challenging schedule, having recently played number one South Carolina. To add to the intrigue of this matchup, Iowa City’s own Ashley Joens (31.5 ppg / 8.8 reb) is putting together a monster career for the Cyclones. Iowa State’s Coach Bill Fennelly is quoted as saying, “If there’s a better player in the country, someone better call me and tell me.” Three words. Let’s. Go. Hawks!