The Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team is reloading this year rather than rebuilding with the departure of Caitlin Clark. Her departure to the WNBA left a hole in the guard spot for Iowa, but they are reloading with talent and looking to pick up where they left off.
Filling that spot is Villanova transfer Lucy Olsen. The senior averaged 23.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists last year for the Wildcats. She is looking to put up similar numbers for Iowa there but also in situational play as well.
An area Caitlin Clark often bailed out Iowa was when the shot clock was running out or it was the end of the game and they needed a bucket. It appears those duties will go to Olsen this year and she is supported by her coaches to take on that role.
Abby Stamp, Iowa’s assistant coach, was asked about how the Hawkeyes find offense in those scenarios. She praised Lucy Olsen’s mentality and explained why she can handle it.
“Lucy has that switch where it’s like, ‘Nobody’s scoring? I’m going to go get this done.’ That is what you need in those situations. At the end of the quarter, she’s very versed to take the big shots. She’s ready, she’s willing,” Stamp said.
So where does Iowa’s late-game/shot clock offense come from without Caitlin Clark?
Abby Stamp sees Lucy Olsen with that takeover gene, too: “Lucy has that switch where it’s like, ‘Nobody’s scoring? I’m going to go get this done.’ … That is what you need in those situations. At…
— Chad Leistikow🆑 (@ChadLeistikow) October 10, 2024
Olsen won’t be alone during those moments, though. The Hawkeyes have a strong veteran presence on this team that includes multiple players who have made big shots in big games and played in high-stakes games such as the National Championship.
Olsen will likely get the shot when things are called in the huddle, but as often happens, plan B comes into play and Iowa can also rely on Hannah Stuelke, Sydney Affolter, and others to step up.
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