The University of Iowa women's basketball program will open a slice of its second open practice to the media on Tuesday, giving reporters a first look at the team's progress under second‑year head coach Jan Jensen.
Jensen says the session is primarily about tightening the Hawkeyes' offensive and defensive sets, especially the read‑and‑react four‑out scheme that relies on multiple players who can create their own shots.
Third‑year guard Taylor Stremlow echoed the coach's focus, stressing the need to stay sharp and execute the basic fundamentals that keep the system humming.
Sharpening the Offensive Blueprint
The new scheme emphasizes a four‑out read‑and‑react offense, giving the team the ability to generate shots from the perimeter while maintaining spacing.
Journey Houston, a 6‑foot forward, averaged 5.4 points and 5.1 rebounds last season and hit four of 11 three‑point attempts, a shooting profile that could stretch the floor.
McKenna Woliczko is expected to step up at the power forward spot, while transfer Amari Whiting from Oklahoma State provides a natural fit at small forward.
Building on a Legacy of Near Misses
The 2022 Iowa team entered the NCAA tournament as a No. 2 seed but fell 64‑62 to No. 10 Creighton, a loss that former star Caitlin Clark called a catalyst for offseason focus.
The 2023 squad, though roster‑different, shared the same motivation after a disappointing finish, and the current group is looking to translate that drive into deeper tournament runs.