Campus Newcomer: Davenport North G/F Journey Houston

It won’t be a lengthy trip for Journey Houston’s friends and family to get to Iowa City to watch her play in the black and gold. It’s just a 55-mile drive heading west down I-80 from Davenport to get to Carver-Hawkeye Arena. A four-star small forward, Journey Houston (Davenport North, IA) was the first commit in the ’25 class for the Hawkeyes and nearly 700 days later, it’s almost time for her to arrive on campus to prepare for her true freshman season.

Houston, rated as a four-star recruit by ESPN and the #5 player in the state of Iowa by Prep Girls Hoops, chose the Hawkeyes over offers from Iowa State, Michigan, Nebraska, Michigan State, DePaul and Wake Forest.

“Having an Iowa offer for me was a dream come true. I have always watched the program growing up,” Houston told HawkeyeReport at the time of her commitment back in 2023. “My sister was going to go there, so I have known the coaching staff since I was seven years old. Knowing that I can play for them in just a few years still is just unbelievable to me.”

Over the course of her career at Davenport North High School, Houston totaled 1.710 points, 786 rebounds, 340 steals and 285 assists. After injuring her leg and missing the final eight games of her junior season, Journey came back healthy for her senior season and helped lead the Wildcats to the 4A State Tournament. She averaged 20.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.9 steals and 3.6 assists per game, helping North to a 19-5 overall record. Houston shot 58.7% from the floor, 36.7% from three-point range and 71.1% from the free throw line, including knocking down a career-high 29 three-pointers.

Iowa commit Journey Houston put up 24 points in last night’s win! @Journey_Renae @AllIowaAttack pic.twitter.com/fLRzpaZ3F6

— Courtside Films (@CourtsideFilms) January 31, 2025

We caught up with the 5-foot-11 small forward out of Davenport, Iowa to discuss her move to Iowa City, what stood out during the recruitment process and her upcoming freshman season with the Hawkeyes.

Q: When do you move to Iowa City and what is your excitement level like for that move in day?

HOUSTON: I move in on June 15th, I am really excited and ready to start my next chapter.

Q: You’ve been committed to Iowa for a couple of years ago and have grown up less than an hour from Iowa City. What does it mean to you to be able to have the opportunity to play for an in-state school?

HOUSTON: Getting to play for an in-state school is a big deal for me, because it means my family who is also my main support system can get to see me continue my athletic career.

Q: What number do you plan on wearing? Any special reason behind it?

HOUSTON: I will be wearing the number 8, I was given some options, and my dad refers to me as the “Great 8”.

Q: You missed a good bit of your junior year with an injury, but came back and helped lead Davenport North to the State Tournament as a senior. How special was it to be able to come back and accomplish that and what are you most proud of out of all that?

HOUSTON: My injury was a piece of cartilage came off my femur and I needed my femur realigned. I just pushed myself because I knew it was my last chance and my last shot at a trip to state, and I just wanted to not only do the best I could for myself but for my team.

Q: What did you learn about yourself during the recovery process from the injury and how has it helped you now that you’re back on the court?

HOUSTON: I learned to never take anything for granted because you never know what could happen and just always give my full effort in everything I do, not just in basketball, but in life.

Q: What have you been doing since the end of the high school basketball season to prepare for when you join the team this summer?

HOUSTON: I have workouts for strength and conditioning that Iowa has sent me and I am in the gym almost every day whether that is getting a good workout in with my dad or shooting on the gun.

Q: What do you remember about your recruitment? When did Iowa first reach out to you? Who was your primary recruiter?

HOUSTON: I believe it was the summer of going into ninth grade when they reached out to me it was a while back, so it is kind of hard to remember. I do remember Coach Jan was the primary recruiter for me, so I have a great relationship with her.

Q: What stood out about the Iowa program that made them an easy choice over other schools? Was there a particular moment where you thought “Iowa is the school I want to go to”?

HOUSTON: I have been around the program for years my sister was also recruited by them; bonds were made that I just felt were superior compared to other schools and it’s close to home so that was really important for me.

Q: What is your relationship like with the other incoming freshman? What about current players?

HOUSTON: I would say I have a good relationship with the other incoming freshman. I have been at different events with them to get to know them better. I am excited to get on campus and strengthen those relationships with my soon to be teammates.

Q: What are your goals for your freshman season?

HOUSTON: My goal is to continue to get better and stay grounded. I have been blessed with an opportunity to play at the highest level, and I am going to give it my all and not take it for granted.

Q: What are you most excited for when you think about playing for Iowa next season?

HOUSTON: I am most excited to compete at such a high level and grow alongside my teammates.