Expectations?

[AFM22]

I know one is vs Okie State.

Interesting. Whiting’s former team, and also against Audi.

 

[Conn53victor]

I won't diss any current or former player. It seems to me that the team is really strong 1-8. Hays, Strömdahl, and Medina are the unknowns. I am an incurable optimist, so I think that Hays has put in the work to provide meaningful minutes. Either Strömdahl and Medina may be a surprise.

Regadless of who starts, I believe we are in great shape barring injury. By February, most teams trim to 8-ish players for the majority of minutes, and we have the horses for that.

DISCLAIMER: There could be errors in any of the above. I often don't know what I am talking about. I feel right at home on this forum.

 

[NORTHSTAR]

Clock mgmt, use of TOs, develop guards,...the stuff that wins games, ya know.

Designate somebody on the staff to share responsibility, because last two years have been chaos...resulting in Sweet 32 losses.

TOs = what games were lost because of this, surely not the 4 games Iowa lost big to UConn, USC and UCLA twice, so must have been the other 3.

Develop guards = Chat, Stremlow, and McCabe did pretty well in my estimation and Feuerbach was one of the best defenders in the conference so I would be curious what you're talking about.

Designate a staff member to share responsibility = I'm not at practice or in their meetings, but maybe you have some inside info.

Sweet 32 losses = Ah the old Sweet Sixteen loss. That's what this really all about for you, as usual.

 

[Anon1750875978]

TOs = what games were lost because of this, surely not the 4 games Iowa lost big to UConn, USC and UCLA twice, so must have been the other 3.

Develop guards = Chat, Stremlow, and McCabe did pretty well in my estimation and Feuerbach was one of the best defenders in the conference so I would be curious what you're talking about.

Designate a staff member to share responsibility = I'm not at practice or in their meetings, but maybe you have some inside info.

Sweet 32 losses = Ah the old Sweet Sixteen loss. That's what this really all about for you, as usual.

Explain how JJ managed to blow a 17 point lead in <3 minutes vs Maryland at the end of regulation??? That's almost impossible to do. JJ proved it wasn't.
And for the record, as HC, Jansen has never even gotten to the Sweet 16.
Hence, it's now the Sweet 32 for Iowa WBB.
If Beth was going to appoint a HC from within the program, it probably should have been Harmon.

 

[Jonesy5960]

Explain how JJ managed to blow a 17 point lead in <3 minutes vs Maryland at the end of regulation??? That's almost impossible to do. JJ proved it wasn't.
And for the record, as HC, Jansen has never even gotten to the Sweet 16.
Hence, it's now the Sweet 32 for Iowa WBB.
If Beth was going to appoint a HC from within the program, it probably should have been Harmon.

You're beyond ridiculous.

 

[thatsmy2cents]

Explain how JJ managed to blow a 17 point lead in <3 minutes vs Maryland at the end of regulation??? That's almost impossible to do. JJ proved it wasn't.
And for the record, as HC, Jansen has never even gotten to the Sweet 16.
Hence, it's now the Sweet 32 for Iowa WBB.
If Beth was going to appoint a HC from within the program, it probably should have been Harmon.

17 point loss to Maryland was the result of our team being limited in quality ball handlers and missing free throws.

Jan is 50-18 as a head coach in one of the best women's basketball conferences and winner of the WBCA rookie of the year award

WOW she hasn't made it to the sweet 16 in her 2 years, to be fair it took lisa 15 yrs to make it to the sweet 16 and she only got to or beyond the sweet 16 5 times.

Raina Harmon finished 16-16 in her 1st yr. I think Raina is a great person and will be a really good coach, but not sure how you can make a statement that Beth should have hired her.

Jan has assembled a great staff and team of wonderful young ladies who will represent us well both on and off the court.

I'm looking forward to the season!

 

[Scott559]

Explain how JJ managed to blow a 17 point lead in <3 minutes vs Maryland at the end of regulation??? That's almost impossible to do. JJ proved it wasn't.
And for the record, as HC, Jansen has never even gotten to the Sweet 16.
Hence, it's now the Sweet 32 for Iowa WBB.
If Beth was going to appoint a HC from within the program, it probably should have been Harmon.

You have made it clear from day one that you didn’t like the Jan hire, You said you wanted Jennie or Katie Abrahamson Henderson, I get Jennie, I don’t get Katie. That said you are entitled to your opinion as we all are. I have said before I would have been fine if Jennie had gotten the job.

You continually say you are unbiased and anyone that supports Jan is “friends or family”. You are far from unbiased, You continually preach your anti Jan agenda, Last year after any win you were virtually silent on the message board, After any loss you were tearing Jan apart, No bias there. You point out Iowa’s 51 point loss to UCLA in the BTT, Jennie lost on her home floor in the 2nd round NCAA tourney by 44 pts to Notre Dame, Was that acceptable because it was Jennie? It took Jennie till year four at Oklahoma to reach the sweet 16 at OU, But in your eyes Jan is a failure after two years, Again no bias at all.

I don’t know if Jan will elevate the program to a level we all hope for, I do think she deserves the same grace that you seem fine giving Jennie At Oklahoma. Both are good solid programs, Neither has taken the next step to be a true powerhouse program. I know you will never lose your anti Jan bias but I do think you should at least try to be somewhat fair and objective, You are not.

 

[Anon1750875978]

You have made it clear from day one that you didn’t like the Jan hire, You said you wanted Jennie or Katie Abrahamson Henderson, I get Jennie, I don’t get Katie. That said you are entitled to your opinion as we all are. I have said before I would have been fine if Jennie had gotten the job.

You continually say you are unbiased and anyone that supports Jan is “friends or family”. You are far from unbiased, You continually preach your anti Jan agenda, Last year after any win you were virtually silent on the message board, After any loss you were tearing Jan apart, No bias there. You point out Iowa’s 51 point loss to UCLA in the BTT, Jennie lost on her home floor in the 2nd round NCAA tourney by 44 pts to Notre Dame, Was that acceptable because it was Jennie? It took Jennie till year four at Oklahoma to reach the sweet 16 at OU, But in your eyes Jan is a failure after two years, Again no bias at all.

I don’t know if Jan will elevate the program to a level we all hope for, I do think she deserves the same grace that you seem fine giving Jennie At Oklahoma. Both are good solid programs, Neither has taken the next step to be a true powerhouse program. I know you will never lose your anti Jan bias but I do think you should at least try to be somewhat fair and objective, You are not.

That's fair.

I still maintain a national search should have taken place.

 

[Anon1750875978]

You're beyond ridiculous.

Point out in that post anything that's incorrect.

TIA

 

[Jonesy5960]

Point out in that post anything that's incorrect.

TIA

There's nothing you've pointed out that's incorrect. It's your JJDS that's ridiculous.

 

[Anon1750875978]

There's nothing you've pointed out that's incorrect. It's your JJDS that's ridiculous.

Perhaps, you're correct.
One question, tho...What would it take for you to decide that maybe JJ isn't the long term answer?
Please be precise.

 

[Jonesy5960]

Perhaps, you're correct.
One question, tho...What would it take for you to decide that maybe JJ isn't the long term answer?
Please be precise.

It would probably be a few years of second division finishes or a failure to make it to the Sweet 16 with this current group of players who I believe are capable of getting there and beyond. An inability to retain/recruit high level players out of high school or the portal would raise concerns for sure. The trajectory of the program today makes most of this very unlikely.

If you're truly a fan of the program you'd be cheering her on as her success and the team's success are tied together. I (and I assume most if not all of this board) believe you are much more of a Jan hater than an Iowa women's basketball fan, and would be ecstatic if they failed. There is nothing in your posting history that would suggest otherwise. The real question is why. Why do you despise this woman so much? I know nothing of her past that should lead someone to feel the way you do and yet here we are. Maybe a new therapist is in order.

 

[Anon1750875978]

It would probably be a few years of second division finishes or a failure to make it to the Sweet 16 with this current group of players who I believe are capable of getting there and beyond. An inability to retain/recruit high level players out of high school or the portal would raise concerns for sure. The trajectory of the program today makes most of this very unlikely.

If you're truly a fan of the program you'd be cheering her on as her success and the team's success are tied together. I (and I assume most if not all of this board) believe you are much more of a Jan hater than an Iowa women's basketball fan, and would be ecstatic if they failed. There is nothing in your posting history that would suggest otherwise. The real question is why. Why do you despise this woman so much? I know nothing of her past that should lead someone to feel they way you do and yet here we are. Maybe a new therapist is in order.

My one and only issue has ALWAYS been the swiftness of her hire.
No national search. The Iowa WBB HC position has to be a highly coveted job.
It was stated immediately when she was hired that a concern was keeping the Deal commitment. That's an INCREDIBLY short sighted view.
And we saw what happened.

 

[The Big Z]

It would probably be a few years of second division finishes or a failure to make it to the Sweet 16 with this current group of players who I believe are capable of getting there and beyond. An inability to retain/recruit high level players out of high school or the portal would raise concerns for sure. The trajectory of the program today makes most of this very unlikely.

If you're truly a fan of the program you'd be cheering her on as her success and the team's success are tied together. I (and I assume most if not all of this board) believe you are much more of a Jan hater than an Iowa women's basketball fan, and would be ecstatic if they failed. There is nothing in your posting history that would suggest otherwise. The real question is why. Why do you despise this woman so much? I know nothing of her past that should lead someone to feel they way you do and yet here we are. Maybe a new therapist is in order.

"He's objective." Now that's funny.

 

[Jonesy5960]

My one and only issue has ALWAYS been the swiftness of her hire.
No national search. The Iowa WBB HC position has to be a highly coveted job.
It was stated immediately when she was hired that a concern was keeping the Deal commitment. That's an INCREDIBLY short sighted view.
And we saw what happened.

Again. Ridiculous. Nobody gives a shat about a hiring process over 2 years after the fact except you. Nobody gives a shat about Addie Deal except you. Nobody involved in the hiring process suggested keeping Deal as a recruit was a driver in the decision process. And none of this has anything to do with the fact that the program in her second year finished in second place in the B1G while having a roster that was pretty much devoid of inherited talent and was picked to finish middle of the pack. None of this had anything to do with the fact that this roster that's been completely rebuilt from the ground up since she ascended is being considered a contender in the Big10 and nationally in her 3rd year.

We as fans are all excited about what the next few years could bring if she can keep this roster together. You on the other hand are hoping that they fail, because you don't like the coach, and no, getting promoted is not sufficient grounds to despise someone. Look in the mirror. Get help.

 

[Anon1750875978]

Again. Ridiculous. Nobody gives a shat about a hiring process over 2 years after the fact except you. Nobody gives a shat about Addie Deal except you. Nobody involved in the hiring process suggested keeping Deal as a recruit was a driver in the decision process. And none of this has anything to do with the fact that the program in her second year finished in second place in the B1G while having a roster that was pretty much devoid of inherited talent and was picked to finish middle of the pack. None of this had anything to do with the fact that this roster that's been completely rebuilt from the ground up since she ascended is being considered a contender in the Big10 and nationally in her 3rd year.

We as fans are all excited about what the next few years could bring if she can keep this roster together. You on the other hand are hoping that they fail, because you don't like the coach, and no, getting promoted is not sufficient grounds to despise someone. Look in the mirror. Get help.

Nice speech.

Come to think of it, the hiring process might just have been violated as per State law.
Similar to when ISU hired their football coach.

BTW: In the press release announcement, there was a mention of keeping Deal's commitment.

 

[Jonesy5960]

Nice speech.

Come to think of it, the hiring process might just have been violated as per State law.
Similar to when ISU hired their football coach.

BTW: In the press release announcement, there was a mention of keeping Deal's commitment.

Show me the press release from the university that says Deal was a factor.

Oh, and go find a team you can support. Life is too short to be spending all of it doling out negative energy.

 

[TheGreatDivider101]

My one and only issue has ALWAYS been the swiftness of her hire.
No national search. The Iowa WBB HC position has to be a highly coveted job.
It was stated immediately when she was hired that a concern was keeping the Deal commitment. That's an INCREDIBLY short sighted view.
And we saw what happened.

Who stated that? Immediately?? Beth certainly didn't. The only thing Jan said was that she was thankful everyone stayed. No one ever made that comment about one player. If you can link a quote, article or statement from anyone, I will stand corrected.

 

[TheGreatDivider101]

Nice speech.

Come to think of it, the hiring process might just have been violated as per State law.
Similar to when ISU hired their football coach.

BTW: In the press release announcement, there was a mention of keeping Deal's commitment.

Wrong!

 

[Hawkeye_Miguel]

I highly doubt that keeping a player commitment was a major factor in the decision to hire Jan, but at the time of the hire, keeping the Lucy commitment in the transfer portal, and retaining the returning roster (Hannah, Syd, etc) would have been much more important than keeping Addie Deal committed as an incoming freshman the following year.

To the topic of expectations, this wasn't even supposed to be the season of highest expectations. They're starting year 2 of what was supposed to be a 3 year build, with the peak expected next year (2027-2028.)

 

[NORTHSTAR]

Explain how JJ managed to blow a 17 point lead in <3 minutes vs Maryland at the end of regulation??? That's almost impossible to do. JJ proved it wasn't.
And for the record, as HC, Jansen has never even gotten to the Sweet 16.
Hence, it's now the Sweet 32 for Iowa WBB.
If Beth was going to appoint a HC from within the program, it probably should have been Harmon.

You posted all of the things that Jan needed to do, but when questioned about it by me, you had NOTHING. You remind me of the Jerry Seinfeld
show. It was about nothing.

 

[Hawk14]

Count me as in the minority on this board. I believe if you are really happy with your program, especially over a long period of time, and you feel you have a great assistant, who you believe can continue or even improve the program success you promote. I’m not here to argue or debate Anon or anyone else on the site. Just stating my opinion.

 

[KyleHuesmann]

My one and only issue has ALWAYS been the swiftness of her hire.
No national search. The Iowa WBB HC position has to be a highly coveted job.
It was stated immediately when she was hired that a concern was keeping the Deal commitment. That's an INCREDIBLY short sighted view.
And we saw what happened.

I hope you’re aware that a national search and a new coach likely would have meant losing the current team (plus Heiden, Deal, Houston, Stremlow, etc) to the portal and a new coach would have been hired 2 months after the season ended, so that would put them in a tough spot for that portal cycle.

 

[KyleHuesmann]

BTW: In the press release announcement, there was a mention of keeping Deal's commitment.

There was not.

 

[o_AMAYS]

FWIW-IU and Michigan State radio guys both pick Iowa 3rd in the BIG, as does Michigan writer at the Bucket Problem.

Big Ten 2026-2027 Preview: The Top Three + Postseason Awards Predictions + Mailbag Pod

Iowa, Michigan, and USC all look like top-ten teams. Which one is most likely to emerge with the Big Ten title?

thebucketproblem.beehiiv.com

 

[LloydBraun]

Explain how JJ managed to blow a 17 point lead in <3 minutes vs Maryland at the end of regulation??? That's almost impossible to do. JJ proved it wasn't.

Explain how she managed to outscore Maryland by 24 points in the other 42 minutes of that game???

 

[Anon1750875978]

I hope you’re aware that a national search and a new coach likely would have meant losing the current team (plus Heiden, Deal, Houston, Stremlow, etc) to the portal and a new coach would have been hired 2 months after the season ended, so that would put them in a tough spot for that portal cycle.

You trying to tell me an AD is that short sighted on what you hope is a long time hire that you're going to worry about a 1-2 hiccup if kids transfer???
Wow!
And if Beth makes that hire, the new HC probably brings kids with her/him.

 

[Anon1750875978]

Explain how she managed to outscore Maryland by 24 points in the other 42 minutes of that game???

Losing a 17 point lead in 3 minutes, less than 3 minutes, is choking any way you slice it. Luckily, they pulled it out.
Similar to having the HUGE lead at Carver last winter vs Minny and losing.

And the clincher...Iowa's loss at home in the NCAA tourney was the biggest upset in the entire post season.

 

[Jonesy5960]

Explain how she managed to outscore Maryland by 24 points in the other 42 minutes of that game???

Noo!! Iowa only beat a team by 7 that they were a 3 point dog against on the road and teams never lose big leads! Fire Jan!

 

[KyleHuesmann]

Similar to having the HUGE lead at Carver last winter vs Minny and losing.

Iowa trailed by double digits most of that game. Do you actually look anything up?

 

[Anon1750875978]

Iowa trailed by double digits most of that game. Do you actually look anything up?

8 point lead in first half before JJ decided to play Hays.
I actually did look it up. Iowa got off to a fast start and then we saw some strange substitution patterns and things went south in a hurry.
Iowa never recovered.
And I'd like your response on if an AD should worry about kids leaving as a consideration on whom to hire??

 

[KyleHuesmann]

8 point lead in first half before JJ decided to play Hays.
I actually did look it up. Iowa got off to a fast start and then we saw some strange substitution patterns and things went south in a hurry.
Iowa never recovered.
And I'd like your response on if an AD should worry about kids leaving as a consideration on whom to hire??

It was 14-6 after 3.5 minutes against a Sweet Sixteen team.

And yes, if there was worry that the whole roster, including Lucy Olsen and incoming recruits would leave with a new staff, that's definitely something that has to be considered. Does the fanbase continue to sell out Carver with the new staff and a brand new roster of players?

Curious what you'll have to say if they duplicate their regular season and make the Elite Eight this year.

 

[Jonesy5960]

It was 14-6 after 3.5 minutes against a Sweet Sixteen team.

And yes, if there was worry that the whole roster, including Lucy Olsen and incoming recruits would leave with a new staff, that's definitely something that has to be considered. Does the fanbase continue to sell out Carver with the new staff and a brand new roster of players?

Curious what you'll have to say if they duplicate their regular season and make the Elite Eight this year.

He'd say a better coach like Jennie Baranczyk would have reached the Final Four or the finals and the sooner Jan is gone the better.

 

[Anon1750875978]

It was 14-6 after 3.5 minutes against a Sweet Sixteen team.

And yes, if there was worry that the whole roster, including Lucy Olsen and incoming recruits would leave with a new staff, that's definitely something that has to be considered. Does the fanbase continue to sell out Carver with the new staff and a brand new roster of players?

Curious what you'll have to say if they duplicate their regular season and make the Elite Eight this year.

Make the elite 8?

I think many fans will be thrilled if they make the R-16.
It's pretty evident I hold a minority opinion on this forum right now and I'm not gonna change any minds arguing my POV.
But with the toughest part of the schedule as road games this upcoming season, duplicating last regular season's record will be difficult.
I'll see you all when the B1G schedule begins.

 

[thatsmy2cents]

8 point lead in first half before JJ decided to play Hays.
I actually did look it up. Iowa got off to a fast start and then we saw some strange substitution patterns and things went south in a hurry.
Iowa never recovered.
And I'd like your response on if an AD should worry about kids leaving as a consideration on whom to hire??

You're NM still ranks as your best post ever!

You do appear to be slightly ignorant about our team, past and present, but definitely biased against our coach.

I believe we have a chance to make the final 4 this yr., but nothing is guaranteed and just maybe you will be happy if we don't make the sweet 16!

I'd say get off your high horse and give Jan and the team your full support, what do you have to lose!

 

[paladinhawk_rivals]

I'll see you all when the B1G schedule begins.

Pretty sure if Iowa loses to UConn you'll be back before the game is officially over.

 

[Conn53victor]

I hate that I am entering this conversation, but here I am.

My first year year of mbb seasons tickets, I watched the Miller six-pack go undefeated in the BIG10 and average 100+ points/game. He left. I let it go.

I watched games in Iowa's very first season under Lark Birdsong (best name ever). They weren't very good. I let it go.

I was there when Vivian Stringer violated the fire code with 22,157 in 1985. When she left and handing off to Angie Lee, the program wasn't good. I let it go.

Tom Davis's dismissal was handled badly. I let it go.

I didn't... appreciate Alford, Lickliter, or McCaffrey. I let it go.

When Lisa Bluder left coaching, I let it go.

To those who think that some decision in the past was a mistake, let it go.

We are here now. We can't change the past but we can appreciate the present. Live in the moment.

And let the past go.

DISCLAIMER: I often don't know what I am talking about. I feel right at home on this forum.

 

[citizenHawk1]

In what scenario is someone the Associate Head Coach of a team with a winning culture coming off back to back National Championship games, not considered the leading slam-dunk hire to replace a beloved head coach she's assisted for decades?


Not one player backed out.


JAN JENSEN
Playing Career

• Drake Bulldogs (1987–1991): Played point guard, led NCAA Division I in scoring in 1991 with 29.6 points per game, and had her No. 13 jersey retired by Drake.
• BTV 1846 Wuppertal (1992–1993): Played professionally in Germany and won a German Cup title. [1]

Coaching Career

• Drake Bulldogs Assistant Coach (1993–2000): Started her coaching career under Lisa Bluder, helping the team achieve multiple 20-win seasons.
• Iowa Hawkeyes Associate Head Coach (2000–2024): Served as the primary recruiting coordinator and post player coach under Lisa Bluder, helping guide Iowa to 22 postseason appearances, multiple Big Ten titles, and back-to-back NCAA National Championship games in 2023 and 2024.
• Iowa Hawkeyes Head Coach (2024–present): Promoted to head coach on May 13, 2024, following Bluder's retirement. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Key Honors & Awards

• NCAA Division I Scoring Leader: 1991
• MVC All-Centennial Team: Inducted as a top player in Missouri Valley Conference history
• WBCA Assistant Coach of the Year: 2023
• Maggie Dixon Award: 2025 (Rookie Coach of the Year)
• Notable Recruits: Coached and recruited stars including Caitlin Clark, Samantha Logic, Lindsay Richards, and Johanna Solverson. [1, 2, 3]

 

[Scott559]

Watching various coverage of the WBB media day I saw an interview with McKenna and it was mentioned that Coach Barrett had mentioned they were working on using full court pressure, McKenna was asked if they pressed in H.S and she said yes and that she was the rim protector, She said that what they are practicing with Iowa’s press is McKenna being the point person on the press.

I know in the past they have talked about pressing but you didn’t see much in games, It will be interesting to see if it is actually implemented this year.

 

[Kceasthawk@77]

Watching various coverage of the WBB media day I saw an interview with McKenna and it was mentioned that Coach Barrett had mentioned they were working on using full court pressure, McKenna was asked if they pressed in H.S and she said yes and that she was the rim protector, She said that what they are practicing with Iowa’s press is McKenna being the point person on the press.

I know in the past they have talked about pressing but you didn’t see much in games, It will be interesting to see if it is actually implemented this year.

Watching various coverage of the WBB media day I saw an interview with McKenna and it was mentioned that Coach Barrett had mentioned they were working on using full court pressure, McKenna was asked if they pressed in H.S and she said yes and that she was the rim protector, She said that what they are practicing with Iowa’s press is McKenna being the point person on the press.

I know in the past they have talked about pressing but you didn’t see much in games, It will be interesting to see if it is actually implemented this year.

I could see that with MW's length and athletisism. probably Faison in that role as well.....