Freshman Tania Davis has transitioned into a comfortable role.

By Mario Williams
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For many freshmen, adjusting can be difficult.

For Hawkeye women’s basketball freshman Tania Davis, that was exactly what happened. Davis, a native of Grand Blanc, Michigan, was one of Iowa’s four freshmen prior to the season.

Early on in the season, Davis came off the bench to either substitute for sophomore Whitney Jennings or to play off-guard.

Davis made minimal plays here and there. She also racked up assists, giving her teammates open looks, but problems came as she committed more and more turnovers. The talent was there, but something else was missing — she was just too nervous. The former Michigan Miss Basketball worried about her place on the team.

“I didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes,” Davis said. “I just wanted to show everyone that I was good enough to be on the team.”

After coming off the bench and adding some spark for the team, that then transitioned into a starting role for Davis.

Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder noted before Big Ten play that fans could see Jennings and Davis on the floor together, and it has worked well. Davis has started in five games thus far.

“We’re really good at playing together,” Jennings said. “She’s a really good passer, and I just know I’m going to get shots when she’s in the game.”

The freshman got things going when she returned to the state of Michigan to compete against Michigan State. Prior to that game, she had averaged 6.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. In that contest, which Iowa lost, she led Iowa with a career high of 16 points, shooting .417 from the field, and she was 4-of-5 from downtown.

That momentum then shifted to Iowa’s home game against Michigan. It was a much-needed win after the Hawks had endured a three-game losing streak. Previously, the Wolverines had beaten Iowa when they scored 30 points in the fourth quarter.

The guard shone against the Wolverines, shooting 6-of-10 from the field and notching 18 points, 4-8 from behind the arc, and 5 assists. She played for 35 minutes as well.

Davis’ energy really came to life during the contest. Fans cheered her as she got the Hawkeyes rolling when the game was tight, scoring back-to-back 3s.

“I’m getting to know the plays a lot better,” Davis said after the win. “I’m getting to know this system a lot better and becoming much more of an offensive threat. I’m more comfortable, and now, I definitely found my role, and I think I’m playing it really well.”

Davis said her role is being the “energy bunny” on the court for the team. Whether it’s hitting a big shot, her teammates hitting a big shot, or a player finishing an old-fashioned 3-point play, Davis gets amped up.

Davis’ energy might be needed as Iowa continues Big Ten play, and the freshman’s style of play and goofiness might be the key things Iowa needs to keep progressing.

“It’s fun to watch her; it is fun to coach her,” Bluder said. “That girl’s a warrior.”