After Caitlin Clark left for the WNBA and head coach Lisa Bluder retired, many believed Iowa women’s basketball would struggle to stay competitive. However, under new head coach Jan Jensen and a revised team philosophy, the No. 22-ranked Hawkeyes have started the season with an impressive 9-2 record.
The major change from previous years is that this team prioritizes defense over offense. The past teams led by Clark had high-ranking offenses, but their defense ranked poorly. Despite reaching the national championship game, it was evident that a strong offense centered around a star player was crucial. But without a star player this season, the focus shifted to defense!
This year, the Hawkeyes have the 111th-ranked defense and the 81st-ranked offense in the country. Despite the drop in offensive performance without Clark, the team has excelled in stifling opponents with solid defense.
Here are the three key elements of the Hawkeyes’ defensive strategy:
#1 Ball pressure
One reason for Iowa’s defensive success is their ability to apply pressure on the ball. They often employ a full-court press to slow down their opponents and disrupt their offense. Freshman guard Taylor Stremlow has been effective in creating turnovers and limiting dribble penetration.
Senior guard Kylie Feuerbach leads the team in steals and is adept at disrupting opponents with her active hands and defensive skills.
#2 Help defense
Iowa’s help defense has been outstanding, utilizing the “Wolfpack Defense” scheme to control the paint and limit opponent scoring opportunities.
Players like Taylor McCabe, Kylie Feuerbach, and Sydney Affolter excel in providing support defense and disrupting opponent plays.
#3 Post defense
Junior forward Hannah Stuelke has emerged as a standout defender, particularly in post defense. Her strength and defensive prowess have been crucial in shutting down opponents’ scoring in the paint.
Despite potential challenges in rebounding and foul trouble, Stuelke’s defensive contributions have been vital to the team’s success.
As the Iowa Hawkeyes head into conference play, their transformation into a defensive powerhouse under Coach Jensen has been a remarkable story in women’s college basketball.
