Depth has given Iowa women’s basketball an element of mystery

IOWA CITY — Who will it be next?

Who knows?

Could be one of the veterans. Could be one of the newcomers.

Last time out, it was Taylor McCabe.

The junior sharpshooter hit for a season-high 17 points in Iowa’s 80-68 win over Penn State on Wednesday.

“It was just an example of, ‘I’m ready,’” Iowa Coach Jan Jensen said Friday.

“I don’t buy into her being a one-dimensional shooter. We saw at Penn State that she’s so much more. Her vision is as good as I’ve seen. It was one of the best games she’s ever had.”

McCabe’s gem came a game after four freshmen combined for 35 points in Iowa’s win over Purdue last Sunday.

So, who will it be next?

“It makes us so much harder to scout,” McCabe said. “When you have to put 10 people on your scouting report, it does have its advantages. It keeps team morale very high, and it makes us more excited to come to work.”

The 23rd-ranked Hawkeyes (12-2 overall, 2-1 Big Ten) will need a full team effort Sunday, when they host Cedar Rapids native Brenda Frese and No. 8 Maryland (13-0, 3-0).

Tipoff is 5 p.m. at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

“They pose a lot of challenges,” Jensen said of the Terrapins. “This is a vintage Brenda Frese team. They are tough, fast and really explosive. They are physical, and they are going to pressure you.

“Brenda is an excellent coach, a great recruiter. She knows her stuff.”

Former coach Lisa Bluder will be honored at halftime.

“I had to do some convincing (with Bluder),” Jensen said. “Marketing said she might be busy that day. I told Lisa, ‘Look, you need to do this.’

“I know she doesn’t want to be a distraction. But she’s the reason I’m here. She’s the reason we’re all here.”

Bluder coached 24 years at Iowa, compiling a 528-254 record. She led the Hawkeyes to NCAA tournament finals appearances in 2023 and 2024.

“For her to be back and to be honored like this, she deserves it,” senior Sydney Affolter said. “I’m excited for her.”

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com