Helena Frye
The Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team has a rich history, with roots dating back to 1901. The team has produced several notable players and coaches, including Hall of Famers Sam Barry, Ralph Miller, Lute Olson, and Don Nelson. The women's basketball team has also faced criticism and questions about their performance heading into the 2024-2025 season due to the departure of key players and their longtime head coach, Lisa Bluder. With the team's success in recent years, including back-to-back championship appearances, the upcoming season will be a test of their ability to adapt and perform at a high level.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Iowa Basketball Team Name | Iowa Hawkeyes |
| Iowa Basketball History | The roots of Iowa basketball lie in 1901, when Ed Rule coached the Hawkeyes to a 10-2 record in their first season of varsity basketball. |
| Iowa Basketball Coaches in Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame | Sam Barry, Ralph Miller, Lute Olson, and George Raveling |
| Notable Players | Don Nelson, Connie Hawkins, Lester, Earvin "Magic" Johnson |
| Iowa Women's Basketball Team | Iowa Hawkeye Women's Basketball Team |
| Recent Iowa Women's Basketball Season | 2022-23, concluded in the NCAA Championship Game against LSU on April 2, 2023 |
| Iowa Women's Basketball Coach | Lisa Bluder (retired), succeeded by Jan Jenson |
| Notable Iowa Women's Basketball Players | Caitlin Clark, Kate Martin, Gabbie Marshall, Molly Davis, Sharon Goodman |
| Recent Developments | University of Iowa forward Hannah Stuelke selected for the 2025 USA Basketball Women's AmeriCup Team |
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What You'll Learn
Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball history
The history of the Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team dates back to the early days of the sport in the late 19th century. On January 18, 1896, Iowa played the University of Chicago club in the first five-on-five college game. The Iowa Hawkeyes' first official season of varsity basketball was in 1901, when coach Ed Rule led the team to a 10-2 record. Rule coached the team for four non-consecutive seasons (1901-1902, 1903-1904, and 1905-1907), accumulating a 37-15 record and the best winning percentage in Iowa basketball history.
Following Rule, several coaches led the Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team over the next two decades, including Fred Bailey, John Chalmers, and Walter Stewart. In 1922, Sam Barry was hired as Iowa's 10th head coach. In his first season, the team went 13-2 overall and won the Big Ten championship, the first in school history. Barry was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1979. Rollie Williams took over as head coach in 1929 and served until 1942, and then again in 1951. Williams became the winningest coach in Iowa history at the time with a record of 139-131.
In 1958, Bucky O'Connor's assistant coach, Scheuerman, was hired as the new head coach at just 24 years old, becoming the youngest head basketball coach in Big Ten Conference history. Scheuerman coached the team for six years, recruiting players like Don Nelson, a two-time All-American, Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, and 5-time NBA Champion and Coach. Scheuerman also recruited Naismith Hall of Fame player Connie Hawkins in 1960, although Hawkins never played for the college due to a gambling and point-shaving investigation.
Following Scheuerman, the Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team continued to achieve success under various coaches. Lute Olson, who coached the team from 1979 to 1983, led the team to the 1980 Final Four and three consecutive NCAA Tournaments. Olson was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002. George Raveling took over as head coach after Olson and recruited several future NBA players. Under Raveling, the Hawkeyes made two trips to the NCAA Tournament. Dr. Tom Davis, who coached the team from 1986 to 1999, holds the record for the most wins in Iowa history with 269. During his tenure, the Hawkeyes appeared in nine NCAA Tournaments and made two appearances in the National Invitational Tournament.
The Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team has a rich history, with four of its head coaches inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The team has experienced success throughout the years, including conference championships, NCAA Tournament appearances, and the production of notable players and coaches who have made an impact in the NBA.
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Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball
The Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team represents the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, United States. The team is a member of the Big Ten Conference as well as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
The University of Iowa launched its women's basketball program in 1974, with Lark Birdsong as its first head coach. In the 1974–75 season, the Hawkeyes registered their first win against Minnesota. Over the years, the team has seen several successes, including selling out the Carver-Hawkeye Arena with 22,157 fans in 1985 and reaching the Final Four in 1993.
In 2020, the recruitment of Caitlin Clark triggered an era of unprecedented success for the Hawkeyes. Across four seasons, Clark broke records and accumulated numerous awards, including becoming the first D-I player to record 1,000 points and 300 assists in a season and winning USBWA and WBCA Freshman of the Year. Clark's impact on the team and the popularity of women's basketball led to the "Caitlin Clark effect" being coined. In recognition of her achievements, Iowa retired her No. 22 jersey in February 2025, making her the third player in the program's history to receive this honour.
Following Clark's era, the Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team continued to thrive. In 2025, University of Iowa forward Hannah Stuelke was selected to participate in the USA Basketball Women's AmeriCup Team trials. The team also announced its participation in the second annual WBCA Showcase at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team has a rich history and a bright future, with a dedicated fan base and a culture of success. With a strong foundation and talented players, the team is well-positioned to continue its winning tradition and make a lasting impact on women's basketball.
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The team's head coaches
The Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team has had 23 head coaches in its 124-season history. Ed Rule was the first head coach, leading the team to a 10-2 record in their inaugural season in 1901. Three Iowa head coaches have been inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as coaches: Sam Barry, Ralph Miller, and Lute Olson. A fourth, George Raveling, is a member of the Hall's contributor category.
Lute Olson, who coached the Hawkeyes to the 1980 Final Four, is also remembered for his team's success in the NCAA Tournaments that followed. Nicknamed "The House That Lute Built", Carver-Hawkeye Arena opened on January 5, 1983, replacing the Iowa Field House.
George Raveling recruited several future NBA stars during his three years with the Iowa program, and the team made two trips to the NCAA Tournament under his leadership.
Dr. Tom Davis, who coached the Hawkeyes for 13 seasons, is Iowa's all-time victory leader with 269 wins. He led the Hawkeyes to nine NCAA Tournaments, winning every First Round game.
Fran McCaffery was the head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes from 2010 to 2025. During his tenure, he led the team to four wins over ranked opponents and increased attendance at home games. McCaffery picked up his 300th career win as a head coach in 2012. He was fired at the end of the 2024-25 season, with a record of 297-207.
Ben McCollum, a native of Iowa, was named as the new head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes in March 2025. He previously led Drake to a 31-4 record, including the Missouri Valley Conference regular-season and tournament championships. One of his primary goals is to restore interest in the men's basketball program and fill up the Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
The Iowa Hawkeye women's basketball team will also be experiencing a change in leadership, as longtime head coach Lisa Bluder has retired. Longtime assistant head coach, Jan Jenson, will take over the head coaching role for the upcoming season.
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Notable players
Iowa Hawkeye basketball has a history of success and talent, with numerous accomplished players. Here is a list of some notable Iowa Hawkeye basketball players:
Ronnie Lester
A true legend of Iowa Basketball, Ronnie Lester joined the team in the late 1970s and immediately made an impact with his quick speed and court vision. Known for his ability to create scoring opportunities, Lester became the driving force behind the Hawkeyes' offense. He earned multiple All-Big Ten honours and two All-American selections. Lester led the team to a Big Ten title and a trip to the NCAA Final Four, securing his place in Iowa Basketball history. Hall of Famer Earvin "Magic" Johnson, who played for Michigan State, once claimed Lester was the toughest opponent he ever faced in the Big Ten.
Luka Garza
Luka Garza is another standout player in Iowa Hawkeye history. With a rare combination of size, skill, and agility, Garza dominated the paint and extended defences with his shooting abilities. His stellar performances in the 2019-2020 season earned him several accolades, including the Big Ten Player of the Year, the Naismith Trophy, and a unanimous First Team All-American selection. Garza's impact on the program and the sport will be long-lasting.
B.J. Armstrong
BJ Armstrong is another notable Iowa Hawkeye who had a successful college and professional career. During his time at Iowa, Armstrong helped lead the team to Big Ten regular-season championships and multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. His outstanding performance earned him recognition as second-team All-Big Ten in 1989.
Don Nelson
A two-time All-American at Iowa, Don Nelson played for the Hawkeyes and Coach Scheuerman from 1959 to 1962. He went on to become a Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, five-time NBA Champion, and the winningest coach in NBA history. His #19 jersey has been retired by the Boston Celtics.
Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark is considered one of the greatest women's college basketball players of all time. She played a pivotal role in the success of the Iowa Hawkeye women's basketball team, helping them reach back-to-back championship appearances. Clark's talent and leadership will be missed as the team moves forward into a new chapter.
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Recent performance
The Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team has a rich history, dating back to 1901 when Ed Rule coached them to a 10-2 record in their inaugural varsity basketball season. The team has had several notable coaches and players over the years, including four head coaches inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame: Sam Barry, Ralph Miller, Lute Olson, and George Raveling.
In recent years, the Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team has continued to perform well and remain competitive. Here is a look at their recent performance:
In the 2022-23 season, the Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team had a successful run, finishing with a 31-7 record and winning five NCAA Tournament games before ultimately losing to LSU in the NCAA Championship Game. This season, the team faced some challenges, losing several key starters, including Caitlin Clark, who is considered one of the greatest women's college basketball players of all time. Despite these losses, the team has shown resilience, and the 2024-25 season could be an opportunity for new leaders to emerge and make their mark.
The Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team has also had recent success. In the 2022-23 season, they had a winning record of 15-8 overall and 7-5 in the Big Ten conference as of February 10, 2023. They faced off against the top-ranked Purdue Boilermakers, showcasing their competitiveness in a closely contested game.
Additionally, the Iowa Hawkeyes program has a history of producing talented players who go on to successful NBA careers. The team's success and reputation have attracted top recruits, and their performance in recent years continues to build on their legacy.
Looking ahead to the future, the Iowa Hawkeyes men's and women's basketball teams are gearing up for the 2025-26 season. Season tickets are now on sale, and the teams are making preparations for the upcoming year. The official athletics website of the University of Iowa provides updates and highlights, keeping fans informed and excited about the prospects of both the men's and women's teams.
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Frequently asked questions
The Iowa Hawkeyes are the name of the men's and women's basketball teams at the University of Iowa.
The Iowa men's basketball team dates back to 1901 when Ed Rule coached the Hawkeyes to a 10-2 record in their first season of varsity basketball. Three Iowa head coaches have been inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame: Sam Barry, Ralph Miller, and Lute Olson. A fourth, George Raveling, is a member in the Hall's contributor category.
The Iowa women's basketball team has had a successful history, with the 2022-23 season ending in the NCAA Championship Game against LSU. The team has produced some notable players, including Caitlin Clark, considered the greatest woman's college basketball player of all time.
Notable players and coaches for the Iowa men's basketball team include Don Nelson, a Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee and 5-time NBA Champion and Coach, and Lester, who was drafted 10th overall in the 1980 NBA draft and is considered one of the toughest opponents by Hall of Famer Earvin "Magic" Johnson.
As of 2025, season tickets for the University of Iowa men's basketball team are on sale. The women's basketball team will compete in the second annual WBCA Showcase, and forward Hannah Stuelke was selected to join the 2025 USA Basketball Women's Americup roster.
