The landscape of collegiate women's basketball continues its rapid reconfiguration, with teams like the Iowa Hawkeyes actively engaged in the NCAA transfer portal. Recent movements highlight a strategic reshuffling of rosters, as players depart and new talent arrives, shaping the competitive balance for the upcoming seasons.
Departures and New Horizons
Former Iowa guard Callie Levin has committed to Northern Iowa, marking a significant departure from the Hawkeyes' ranks. Levin, who entered the portal on March 30, revealed her decision to join the Panthers on Friday afternoon. Her senior season statistics showcase a prolific scoring ability, averaging 22 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.8 steals, and 4.5 assists per game.
Another former Iowa player, Addie Deal, has found her new collegiate home at Wisconsin, a fellow Big Ten competitor. Deal, who entered the transfer portal on March 30, was a highly-regarded recruit, noted for performances like her 18-point outing against Oregon and a career-high 20 points against Ohio State last season.
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Hawkeyes Bolster Roster Through Portal
Iowa's program has also seen additions via the transfer portal. The Hawkeyes have secured the commitment of former Georgia guard Jocelyn Faison, who joins the team with three years of NCAA eligibility remaining. Faison's previous season saw her appear in 25 games, contributing 32 points, 34 rebounds, 14 assists, six steals, and four blocks in an average of 7.8 minutes per game.
Another significant acquisition for Iowa is former Georgia guard Dani Carnegie. Carnegie, a guard who previously played with current Iowa player Chit-Chat Wright and now-Iowa assistant coach LaSondra Barrett at Georgia Tech, is considered a major portal win for the Hawkeyes' coaching staff. Carnegie averaged 12.9 points per game during her freshman season with Georgia Tech and, more recently, established herself as a standout in the SEC, averaging 17.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game for the Georgia Bulldogs.
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Near Misses and Other Program Movements
While the Hawkeyes have made key additions, they have also been involved in pursuits that did not materialize. Former Western Illinois guard Raegan McCowan, despite interest from Iowa and an on-campus visit, committed to the Houston Cougars. McCowan, a two-time All-OVC star, averaged 17 points on 47.8% shooting and 6.4 rebounds per game last season, despite an injury-shortened campaign. Similarly, former Lindenwood guard Ellie Brueggemann committed to Oklahoma State after reportedly being scheduled to visit Iowa.
The broader landscape of the transfer portal involves numerous other notable moves. Former Iowa State star Audi Crooks, ranked No. 1 in ESPN's transfer rankings, committed to Oklahoma State. Crooks, a 6-foot-3 forward, leaves Iowa State after three seasons, highlighted by 17 career games with 30+ points and five with at least 40. Her commitment to Oklahoma State, where she joins other key transfers, forms a formidable group.
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Meanwhile, Addy Brown, formerly of Iowa State, has committed to the defending champion UCLA Bruins. Brown, considered one of the top players in the portal, bolsters UCLA's roster following several WNBA draft departures. Other players like Reagan Wilson (Iowa State) and Jada Williams (Iowa State) are also noted as being on the move.
The constant flux of player movement underscores the dynamic nature of modern collegiate athletics, where roster continuity is increasingly challenged by the fluidity of the transfer portal. Teams are navigating this environment, aiming to rebuild and reinforce their squads for immediate and future success.