By Michael McCurdy
The Iowa women’s basketball team has a big weekend ahead, and it all starts today with the team’s home-opener against Oral Roberts at 6 p.m.
The Hawkeyes will return to the court after beating Lewis in an exhibition game on Sunday. One of the highlights was how Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder installed a platoon system of rotation for her team.
It’s early in the season, so Bluder deemed it necessary to continue the platoon in order to get a more concrete understanding of her young team.
“If you don’t use it, you’re taking away one of your strengths,” Bluder said. “We feel this is a way we can use it.”
One of the bigger questions coming into this season was how quickly Bluder’s top-10 recruiting class would adjust to the speed and style of college basketball. In the exhibition game, the Hawkeyes came out very aggressive defensively, limiting Lewis to 35 points. Freshmen Bre Cera and Kathleen Doyle got the start and made immediate impacts on the defensive side of the ball.
Doyle is an aggressive defender who likes to play up in the opponent’s face, while Cera is quick on her feet, always looking to jump the passing lane because of her speed. The other freshman guard fighting for a starting spot is Makenzie Meyer.
In the exhibition game, Meyer didn’t seem to be comfortable on the court during the first half. Then, in the second half she hit a corner 3 right by the Hawkeye bench that ignited her confidence.
She brings an offensive arsenal to the table. She can pass, shoot, and handle the ball well. Her liability at the moment is her skills on the defensive end.
Alongside the three highly rated freshmen is a young-but-experienced squad looking to get big minutes. That’s why this weekend Bluder wants to give every player a chance to showcase her skills and, more importantly, work on developing her game in live action.
“We want to make sure we’re getting players in the game,” Bluder said. “It’s early in the year, and you want to make sure we’re giving everybody an opportunity to grow. We want to win games, but at the same time, this allows us to get more people on the floor and opportunity for those groups to work together and be better.”
After today’s game against Oral Roberts, the Hawkeyes will be back in action at noon Nov. 13 against Hampton. The Pirates were 14-17 last season and have already suffered a brutal loss this season to Iowa State, 95-59.
Even though Oral Roberts and Hampton are not the cream of the crop, it is the opening weekend of games and a great opportunity for fans and Bluder to see what kind of team the Hawkeyes will be this season.
“It’s a big week,” Bluder said. “It’s the start of the season, and that’s exciting.”
Follow @MMccurd for more information on the Iowa women’s basketball team.