My brother (born in Iowa City) and I traveled to see the Illinois game from Memphis. Our family has grown up Hawkeye fans in SEC country. So glad we did. What a great experience to see such a great team with great down to earth fans. Caitlin Clark is just incredible and the whole team and coaches have brought so much joy, like Kate Martin said
@@LaLa2time I don't think you have a clue with what you're saying. He is talking about the coach. She doesn't taunt anyone. There was just trash talk which goes on in every game. If you're talking about last year's game against S.C., the only thing that took place was Caitlin daring a player to put up a 3 because she couldn't do it. She wasn't even close to her, but the other 8 players on the court were all mixed up under the basket. Their weakness was their inability to shoot the 3. They've obviously changed that since a year ago, and if you want to talk about taunting, do you remember what Angel Reese did last year?? That was more than just taunting. We evened that score this year, but there was no taunting that went on after we beat them. Only Angel crying about being sexualized among a few other things after last year's tourney.
I’m a 65-year-old guy from Central Mississippi, who has never kept up with women’s basketball. But I’ve been a fan of Iowa for the last few weeks at least, and really pretty much since last year. That being said, there’s several reasons for that, they are very talented. They play with a lot of heart, that speaks volumes to me, but also even more than that is they play with a very good attitude. As a Christian, that’s very important to me and I will continue to be an Iowa fan, though I’m an Ole Miss football fan and have been all my life. Hold your heads up, and God bless you!
Great job hawks be proud back to back championship games the team won together great season and thank you càtlin for four great years been great ride so thank you
I was watching Caitlin Clark her senior year in high school. I was so happy when she decided to stay at Iowa and play for her home team. So many kids wanna go where they think it's automatic to win a title. Caitlin kept her talents at home. I told some close friends and my brother that this girl would rock the world with her shooting/scoring skills. I loved this girl from her first game at Iowa to her last game today. I knew she was gonna be great and she ended up with All the records. I never dreamed Iowa would make it to back to back championship games. She helped make this team a "great" team. In my opinion she is the best offensive player of all time and in the top 5 of the greatest players ever in women's basketball. Thank you Coach Lisa Bluder for how greatly you handled this amazing record breaking talent in Caitlin Clark !Thank you Caitlin Clark for 4 years of greatness as an Iowa Hawkeye who stuck with her home team and helped make them great! LOVE THE WHOLE IOWA TEAM AND ALL THE COACHES! CLASS ACT
Holdsclaw, Parker, Taurasi, Moore, Miller and Stewart and a few others would beg to differ. 0-2 and ringless, the others ALL have titles, some of them multiple. Stewart won four straight and four most outstanding player awards along with three straight Nasmith awards. I do understand your bias though.😂.
Go Gamecocks. The two best teams played and that's what you want. Caitlyn is a tremendous talent and competitor. She had the weight of the world on her shoulders. But south Carolina is a dynasty with a ton of female talent. Tremendous event. Lot of love. Everything left on the court. Both teams class acts.
You women are the epitome of what most everyone would want their young girls or boys to grow up to be like.. on and off the court!! Bravo to you!! You all are amazing
The thing I noticed that I believe was the game changer was the fact SC has 9 players that could rotate in and were all good. Iowa only had 6-7 at most and 3 of the starters played the entire game. When you can rotate players and keep them fresh it makes a huge impact and that is what showed in the 4th qtr...the Iowa girls were gassed and SC was still rotating players. Iowa give SC the best game they faced all year. But also, when a team has 4 players as big as SC did it is almost impossible to defend on the inside. Cordosa and Kitts were just so hard to out rebound and even defend on post ups. I think Iowa played damn good given they were at a disadvantage in height and depth.
Good post OP, and to add to that, here's the reason that SC has so much depth from those 9 players, compared to Iowa: - SC: 8 5-stars, 1 4-star; class rankings: #2, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 25 - Iowa: 1 5-star, 3 4-stars; #4, 45, 71, 92 Iowa's always at a big disadvantage vs other top teams with recruits/transfers and has to make do, and they usually do. They overcome a lot usually, but these teams aren't at SC level of talent, coaching, or simply just as a team in general: - UConn: 5 5-stars; #1, 5, 6, 15, 23 - LSU: 4 5-stars, 3 4-stars; #2, 2, 7, 7, 26, 58
I am not a Hawkeyes fan except for women’s basketball team the past two years. I am impressed with the sportsmanship, coaching, team spirit, and also the talent of the Iowa team. I especially like to say the “ team” because even tho they have Caitlin as a super star it didn’t interfere with them as a team! Also coaching staff is class! GO HAWKS!
Each winter I struggle with seasonal affective disorder or “SAD”, but Iowa women’s basketball has definitely brought me joy and their graciousness and social-emotional intelligence and resilience is just the cherry on top. They are role models for anyone - young, old, boy, girl, men, women…
@@kevinmcgaw934 Considering how deep S.C.'s bench was, the fact that they have a player who is 6'7", another who is 6'5", 2 who are 6'3", and only 3 players who are shorter than 6', Iowa did a pretty good job in the first half, only down by 3, but couldn't contain them the 2nd half with only 2 bench players who got in the game for limited time. With less than 10 seconds left on the clock, Iowa put in their only starter who hadn't played since tearing her Patellar Tendon on March 4th when we defeated #2 Ohio State. We were hoping she would at least get a chance to touch the ball, but that didn't happen, and I'd rather not risk making her injury any worse. Her collegiate basketball is over. Seeing her come into the game, even though it was just to let her say she got in the championship game made me so happy that I wasn't even slightly upset that we lost. We knew going in that we probably didn't stand a chance, but our ladies still did a good job. Remember that last year, in the final 4, Iowa defeated S.C., ruining their undefeated record, making them start all over again this year, and they deserved this win. I was pissed as hell after what happened with Angel Reese's antics at the end of the championship game last year, and the fact that she chased Caitlin around the arena pointing to that ring finger, and now that we beat them in the Elite 8, that was the sweetest victory of the entire tournament but it also felt sweet to beat UCONN. We didn't expect that win either. As many complaints as there were about how that game ended, we've been in those shoes but the video doesn't lie. So you can laugh all you want, it honestly doesn't bother me, and if you see the post-game presser, Caitlin isn't crying, nobody really is, and on Sportscenter, Dawn Staley handed out a HUGE compliment to Caitlin. So another time you might find me sad or mad, but not today.
@@barbaraglynn1531 Don't worry about little ol' kevin, lol. He wouldn't know a generational player if he saw one....oh wait, if he watched the tournament he would have seen one. There's a reason SC is the champion. They have several redwood trees along with several others who are over 6' tall and a bench that's loaded with 5 star players, so they can substitute all game with fresh bodies. Iowa had 3 bench players who couldn't have slowed SC down. Hopefully our recruits bring some height in with them and our veterans can teach them what they know when it comes to Hawkeye basketball. Time will tell. I'm still proud of what our girls did. It was something that 349 other D1 teams would have LOVED to have done just once, but twice would have truly been epic. We didn't win, but we came as close as anybody else did.
@@1398goLana. I think I said that. I can't keep everyone or anyone happy. I support my team and speak the truth. Iowa had a great run but South Carolina is a dynasty. Congratulations on your programs biggest win last year.
Im so proud of Caitlin Clark. People who havent played sports just don't get what it takes, how much of yourself you put into the grind and how it hurts when you come up short and theres no redos. Caitlin just carries herself with so much dignity and respect for the game. I know she's a champion inside and hopefully at the next level it happens for her.
Here’s the thing, Iowa was clicking for LSU and USC was clicking for IOWA. Great game. Congrats to USC and the very best to Iowa. Like Coach Staley said, Caitlin Clark has changed the game for women’s basketball 🏀
Someone said that you never remember who gets second place, true...but we will remember who changed womens basketball...Great job Caitlin and good luck on your future plans.
Oh, but it isn’t though. And that’s awesome! Every now and then someone comes along and helps evolve the game. She’s one of these game changers. And it’s really exciting to witness! Basketball has certainly changed since my day playing it lol
she didn’t change anything. Pulling up from 30 ft as a go to offensive strategy does not translate to winning a championship. She’s a great shooter but still needs to learn, pick your spots and know when to take the bombs. And she needs more poise in the moment. She’s still young, and has room to grow.
I’ve been attending Iowa womens BB games for 20 years, because the product they put on the court has always been excellent. This is due to coach Bluder’s leadership in collecting a bunch of skilled but mostly ordinary midwestern girls and creating teams that can compete on a national level. She’s been doing for decades with amazing consistency, without seeking attention but with impeccable sportsmanship, with no scandals or controversies, and with unwavering loyalty to her home state and her program. She takes in girls and after 4 years she graduates women ready to contribute to our society in so many ways, based on values that will serve them for life. They used to call her girls “Bluder’s bunch”, although I haven’t heard that in a while. Let’s take a moment to appreciate Coach Bluder and her staff for the body of work they built in Iowa - the recent and spectacular success is the culmination of their efforts over the decades and wouldn’t have happened without them.
love the candor and authentic pride on display here. The whole team should be proud, and although Caitlyn Clark might wind up being the name people remeber, Caitlyn will remember never forget that it was her teammates and her coaches that made this all possible.
@merryl Thank you for such a beautiful comment. It doesn't get more truthful than that, and Caitlin knows it. Every time she was interviewed by herself or during post-game pressers with several teammates and Coach Bluder, she ALWAYS talks about her teammates and their contributions, her coaches, and the work they've done, and even her opponents and how they played before ever saying a thing about her own contributions. Her folks raised her right!! Hopefully she'll make her mark in the WNBA. She will more than likely be the first pick and go to Indiana and be teammates with last year's rookie of the year, from S.C. Aliyah Boston!! I've never watched the WNBA, I don't know if they're even televised, but I'll be watching!
In a couple years nobody gonna remember who was the 2023-24 champion ,but we will all remember the girls on this Hawkeye team for the rest of out lives ....Thanks for the joy you've given me.
NOBODY'S going to remember who won this championship??! As if! YOU will because you're obviously a CC fan so you will always remember who de-throned your 'queen'.
I must admit I was on the bandwagon a bit late. Started watching when the scoring record was set and had to see if all the hype was for real. You all have talent, give great effort, and have a lot of chemistry as a team. It was fun to watch.
Very proud to be an Iowan!!!! Hawks you gave a great fight and we are proud of you all!!!! Caitlin is amazing and the GOAT!!!! Congratulations Seniors but we are going to miss you Caitlin, Gabby & Martin. Good luck in your bright futures!!!! ❤️🏀🇺🇸❤️ Kudos to SC Coach for her shout out to Caitlin!! That’s a classy coach right there and her appraising God was very touching!! Congratulations to SC, going down as undefeated is impressive.
Wow...for the last few months the only sports I was watching was women's bascketball. I was so impressed with the quality and spirit of the players. The coaches and the women's athletes were so impressive at the college level that I watched more bascketball this year than ever before. And I enjoyed it more than ever! The wisdom and the life coaching I witnessed in the post game interviews was inspirational. I'm an older guy and I was so comforted to see the caliber of our young people given how divisive the nonsports world has become. These women will build a better world.
Very well-spoken and amazingly talented team with a great coach. Coach Bluder and this team have had an amazing run and plenty to be proud of. It’s because of this team that I now watch women’s college basketball. They were a joy to watch throughout the season.
What Dad wouldn’t want any of the these skilled,gritty yet classy athletes for a daughter?……Coach Bluder demonstrated skill,dedication and warmth the entire season….This team was a pleasure to watch.
South Carolina was just too big. Iowa needed to shoot the lights out to have a chance.....and they didn't. This was a special team even though they didn't finish the job.
I wish they had shown more of the joy they deserve for having done a hell of job all year getting to that final. Being first loser is no fun. The sports public rarely remembers who came in second but they will remember this team.They did what they set out to do - they provided a lot of joy for the public, inside and outside of basketball - not to mention the huge donations they generated in multiple events for multiple recipients. How many teams in college sports can say that?
I'm not an Iowa fan, but became one this past year after watching a few of their games. Caitlin Clark is a special talent as are other the players as well. It was a lot of fun watching them all play together. It is a shame they lost, but handled it with class. They are a good group of role models. 🏀
@user-qq4 It's not a bad place if you don't mind 100 degrees in the summer and a few feet of snow or frigid temps in the winter. I've lived here my entire life, and while some people are jerks, and there are criminals, for the most part Iowa is AWESOME!!!
@@survivrsvery true about the weather. I’ve lived both in Iowa and other places, and I can say with no reservation that the percentage of jerks or criminals is noticeably lower in Iowa. Her strongest suit is not weather, riches or sightseeing, but her people.
Unfortunately, you are seeing the best of Iowa here. I was in Davenport for about a decade, and there is a large toothless contingent if you know what I mean.
Great season Iowa Lady Hawkeyes and Coach Bluder on tremendous season...Can't wait to see your phenomenal freshman class next year...Christ bless Caitlin the Great❤❤❤...
As a little kid we played 12:48 basketball in the driveway listening to the radio when Everly made it to state. 3 on 3 was the woman's game then. Wow have we come far!! Thanks woman. We love you. A Iowa Hawkeye graduate. And Hawkeye forever!!!
Congratulations to Iowa Hawkeyes for setting the women basketball on a higher level. Caitlin, Kate, Gabbie, Hannah and all the girls you brought your underrated team twice to national championships. Good luck to all and you may succeed on your plans ahead. God bless you all🙏🙏🙏
Iowa did all they could against a superior team. Love them for their amazing accomplishments. Go forward seniors with a sense of purpose and satisfaction of a job well done. Will look forward to Cait's next chapter. It might be as soon as in Paris this summer.
Because of Clarke performance many follow iowa team, she's a class and mature every year, I can't stop loving her and her coach , all the very best in your pro journey champ ❤
I'm so proud of the Hawkeyes! I got to see Iowa play Kansas State in Ft. Myers and will cherish that memory. Thanks to Kate Martin, Gabby Marshall and Caitlin for a wild and wonderful ride!!
As they say the team is a reflection of their coach. LSU coaches players that are cocky when they win and are poor sports when they lose. UConn will never be confused with humble and have that air of arrogance and smugness like their coach. South Carolina has a team that has fun and plays loose because their coach. Iowa was a team that was easy to like. Tough, gritty, classy built with one five star recruit and the rest threes. Not the most talented bunch but got the most out of their talent.
Poor Kate! We see your contribution also Kate! Will be watching to see where you go from here. So many have said you were the GLUE! Thank you all for a great year!
IOWA should be extremely proud. True fighters to the bitter end - God will have a time for them in the future to win a championship. They changed NCAA forever - I am Woman's basketball fan now because of Iowa and Caitlin Clark. Spectacular team and coaching.
It is amazing what she has done for the game. She has driven up the popularity of the game like no other women's player. She has driven up the sales of tickets. She has inspired young women. She has put Iowa on the map. She talks like a winner not like a selfish spoiled egotistical brat. Caitlin talks about her team and the impact of the sport. Some other players talk about themselves and not about their team. This is what I want kids to be exposed to. We need more of this intelligent selfless behavior!! great job Iowa!!
Finishing 2nd twice is nothing to scoff at, especially when every game you played in was a ratings extravaganza. Who remembers the winner three years ago?
I’m just glad that Iowa got a chance to beat them last year. No doubt that was an amazing feat. And I will ALWAYS ALWAYS REMEMBER Iowa was the only team that beat them last year. Watch their last years game. After Iowa beat them, it was 36-1, not 37-0! That’s a good point Clark made….a 6’7 female is nearly impossible to guard!
The refs gave that game to them last year and they did it again on Thursday when Uconn would have won. So go ahead and keep crying in ur beer because the bottom line is, the refs couldn't save they're asses this year in the championship game and Damn Staley told here players to keep pushing hard in order to not give them a chance to cheat them again.
Caitlin made me a Fan three years ago and I've seen the growth in College females (only ) basketball . South Carolina was a big team and I have to say I saw this coming , but Caitlin's long game was off . But one person does not make a TEAM . May God give thanks to the Iowa Team and the families of all these young ladies moving on in Life. Thanks CAITLIN CLARK for everything you've done we'll follow you in your next step in your future .
What a joy to watch this team. I don't live in Iowa or particularly into womens basketball. They are always grateful, even in painful moments. No complaining, just pure joy. They taught me something... be gratefu,l take care of each other, and let your joy shine
I loved this statement: Dawn Staley is our Olympic coach. So much greatness has come to Women’s basketball in not a lot of time. Great people is the reason.
I've been following women's college basketball since Rebecca Lobo joined UConn and have never looked back nor regretted it. It's where the best basketball is played by players who will not play beyond their graduation.
Coach Bluder is so class. I hope she is appreciated. Gabbie Marshall is so clutch, tenacious, and selfless. Caitlin is why I noticed Bluder and Marshall are why I stayed.
Congrats to SC, great team. Proves you need some beef on your team. Those big girls are something. Back to Iowa, what a bunch of class, coach and the girls. Lost the game, no boo hoo, no woe is me crap. Pure class. Fun to watch.
@@LaLa2time What the hell you talking about, she was told to go out and guard her. Last year the girl could hit the backboard, Clark waved one time. All of a sudden she disrespected her, give me a break, OVER REACTING much. Oh ya that's what they do.
@@robertward553 I don’t care about none of your excuses she still taunted and disrespected Raven by waving her off and she did the John Cena in Van Lith face from Louisville last year that’s disrespectful also so nobody trying to hear nothing you gotta say take this L. The Cinderella story is over on to the next bye bye Clark😂🤣😂
She didn't do ANYTHING to Van Lith or any other player from ANY OTHER TEAM. She did it to her coaches, and they "got it". She had done it before. The ONLY thing that went on with Van Lith was some trash talk to Clark, and she shot back with "shut up, you're down by 15". Nothing more. As for "Raven", is she the one who was behind the arc and Clark dared her to put up the shot? Everyone else was jammed up in the lane because everyone from both teams knew she wouldn't take the shot. It's called watching game film before you play a team. That's how they knew she wouldn't take the shot and Iowa beat S.C. This year S.C. had a 6'7 and a 6'5" player. A little hard to beat when you can't shoot over the tree limbs. S.C. is freaking good.
Gracious in defeat as well. . . Intelligent off the court, well spoken. And a total class act. . . When YOU ARE.the best woman's player ever, and carry yourself the way she does, that's why people gravitate to Caitlin. ✌👍🇺🇸🙏
Hopefully coach can turn Hannah to be a really good player. She needs a lot more confidence to fight for the ball and not being silly sometimes. She’s a gem to be polished.
How awesome coach starts the press conference with acknowledging SC. And Dawn did similar. This is class. The Iowa girls were the same. So proud of this team. There will a high number of haters who could not wait for CC to lose because she is everything they are not; a high achiever. Go Hawkes and good luck for the WNBA CC and the seniors in their future endeavours.
No need to be upset, you did what you could. It's over just move forward. Let the media whine about could've, would've, should've until they get some new material.
Bluder seems great! Someone should tell her though that Slaley is NOT the olympic coach. She has said this a couple of times. She was the olympic coach but it is now Cheryl Reeve.
note to journalists, in a press conference like this, when you have the once in a lifetime opportunity (in this case, Caitlyn's final game presser); do not squander your one question on leading question. That is to say, a question which isn't designed to get information, rather, to get quotes for the article you've already written. why does every question have to be about legacy or future? Why not:::? her favorite favorite moment in the tournament or her career? Why not her favorite color, movie or food? Or Maybe you want to put her on the spot and ask her which opposing player in the tournament is hardest to guard, or who guarded her the best. Who her favorite WNBA player is? What, not including her team or university, will she miss most about the state of IOWA? while all of those things are inane in their own right; at least they would generate interest. There's not a whole lot more boring than watching single-minded people reword the exact same single-minded questions. The way to the top is too be unique
You know Cailin was exciting to watch, but the entire team was exciting to watch too! Every one of those gals had their strengths. They played basketball the way it should have been played, with pride, strength and comradery. This team was a love fest. What I mean by that is JOY, FUN and Love. What a team! THANK YOU Hawks. I am proud to be a Hawkeye! YOU Women rock! We will be supporting the women next season and I bet you the graduating seniors will too!
Im not an Iowa fan but im really gonna miss Caitlin Clark she is must watch TV I will follow her to the next level.
you can still watch the iowa team. lmao
They rocked our world 🌍 America 🇺🇲 CC ⛹️♀️🦸♀️🧐🦅 🌍💞you rocked our world 🌎😊😊
Absolutely!!!
Coach Lisa is so kind and classy ! Love her encouragement to DJ Lily ! So sweet.
yea she can read the room(he world)
Great game. Excellent season, team, coaches, and players, thank you all!
This press conference brought tears to my eyes. I know its hugely disappointing for them all but they really played their hearts out
He
Coach Bluder - the definition of a leader and mentor ❤️
Gino is a living legend along with Stanford's coach. They have titles and are Hall of Famers.
My brother (born in Iowa City) and I traveled to see the Illinois game from Memphis. Our family has grown up Hawkeye fans in SEC country. So glad we did. What a great experience to see such a great team with great down to earth fans. Caitlin Clark is just incredible and the whole team and coaches have brought so much joy, like Kate Martin said
Coach Lisa Bluder: she is a class act!
There go that class talk, she does not have class taunting players like she did last year payback is real.
@@LaLa2timeyou wouldn't recognize class even if you made it to the 6th grade
@@LaLa2time I don't think you have a clue with what you're saying. He is talking about the coach. She doesn't taunt anyone. There was just trash talk which goes on in every game. If you're talking about last year's game against S.C., the only thing that took place was Caitlin daring a player to put up a 3 because she couldn't do it. She wasn't even close to her, but the other 8 players on the court were all mixed up under the basket. Their weakness was their inability to shoot the 3. They've obviously changed that since a year ago, and if you want to talk about taunting, do you remember what Angel Reese did last year?? That was more than just taunting. We evened that score this year, but there was no taunting that went on after we beat them. Only Angel crying about being sexualized among a few other things after last year's tourney.
@@survivrs not to mention reese pulling on opponent's hair extension, a horse-collar that should have been called for a technical.
@@janetsaeger8439 Yep, those also. She blames the world for her problems.
I’m a 65-year-old guy from Central Mississippi, who has never kept up with women’s basketball. But I’ve been a fan of Iowa for the last few weeks at least, and really pretty much since last year. That being said, there’s several reasons for that, they are very talented. They play with a lot of heart, that speaks volumes to me, but also even more than that is they play with a very good attitude. As a Christian, that’s very important to me and I will continue to be an Iowa fan, though I’m an Ole Miss football fan and have been all my life. Hold your heads up, and God bless you!
That last white hope
Class act
@@undisputedtruth6176Exactly, look at this years freshman class. They will dominate the next 3 years. No white hopes to be found.😂
How rude undisputed truth …
@@undisputedtruth6176 My hope is in Jesus, and He's Jewish! This has nothing to do with race, but a basketball game.
Great job hawks be proud back to back championship games the team won together great season and thank you càtlin for four great years been great ride so thank you
I was watching Caitlin Clark her senior year in high school. I was so happy when she decided to stay at Iowa and play for her home team. So many kids wanna go where they think it's automatic to win a title. Caitlin kept her talents at home. I told some close friends and my brother that this girl would rock the world with her shooting/scoring skills. I loved this girl from her first game at Iowa to her last game today. I knew she was gonna be great and she ended up with All the records. I never dreamed Iowa would make it to back to back championship games. She helped make this team a "great" team. In my opinion she is the best offensive player of all time and in the top 5 of the greatest players ever in women's basketball. Thank you Coach Lisa Bluder for how greatly you handled this amazing record breaking talent in Caitlin Clark !Thank you Caitlin Clark for 4 years of greatness as an Iowa Hawkeye who stuck with her home team and helped make them great! LOVE THE WHOLE IOWA TEAM AND ALL THE COACHES! CLASS ACT
Great comment!
Holdsclaw, Parker, Taurasi, Moore, Miller and Stewart and a few others would beg to differ. 0-2 and ringless, the others ALL have titles, some of them multiple. Stewart won four straight and four most outstanding player awards along with three straight Nasmith awards. I do understand your bias though.😂.
Go Gamecocks. The two best teams played and that's what you want. Caitlyn is a tremendous talent and competitor. She had the weight of the world on her shoulders. But south Carolina is a dynasty with a ton of female talent. Tremendous event. Lot of love. Everything left on the court. Both teams class acts.
@@wordnerd2005 Thank you for a very great reply! I love how you word things. Very well said! I respect that a lot !
Everybody don’t think that way. Some people want to grow and achieve. The winning is just the icing on the cake.
You women are the epitome of what most everyone would want their young girls or boys to grow up to be like.. on and off the court!! Bravo to you!! You all are amazing
He
@@chrisgreen4980 what are you even talking about??
The thing I noticed that I believe was the game changer was the fact SC has 9 players that could rotate in and were all good. Iowa only had 6-7 at most and 3 of the starters played the entire game. When you can rotate players and keep them fresh it makes a huge impact and that is what showed in the 4th qtr...the Iowa girls were gassed and SC was still rotating players. Iowa give SC the best game they faced all year. But also, when a team has 4 players as big as SC did it is almost impossible to defend on the inside. Cordosa and Kitts were just so hard to out rebound and even defend on post ups. I think Iowa played damn good given they were at a disadvantage in height and depth.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
They miss a lot of ease shots also.Iowa had best offensive ream.SC had best defensive team.Great game period.
@scpython1Here come the excuses we all were waiting for.
Yep thats a good perspective that reflects what the players were dealing with
Good post OP, and to add to that, here's the reason that SC has so much depth from those 9 players, compared to Iowa:
- SC: 8 5-stars, 1 4-star; class rankings: #2, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 25
- Iowa: 1 5-star, 3 4-stars; #4, 45, 71, 92
Iowa's always at a big disadvantage vs other top teams with recruits/transfers and has to make do, and they usually do. They overcome a lot usually, but these teams aren't at SC level of talent, coaching, or simply just as a team in general:
- UConn: 5 5-stars; #1, 5, 6, 15, 23
- LSU: 4 5-stars, 3 4-stars; #2, 2, 7, 7, 26, 58
I am not a Hawkeyes fan except for women’s basketball team the past two years. I am impressed with the sportsmanship, coaching, team spirit, and also the talent of the Iowa team. I especially like to say the “ team” because even tho they have Caitlin as a super star it didn’t interfere with them as a team! Also coaching staff is class! GO HAWKS!
I'm Gamecocks nation fan my hometown but much ❤️ to IOWA Clark and Martin also they have a great team
Each winter I struggle with seasonal affective disorder or “SAD”, but Iowa women’s basketball has definitely brought me joy and their graciousness and social-emotional intelligence and resilience is just the cherry on top. They are role models for anyone - young, old, boy, girl, men, women…
I'm so proud of our coach and players. You all ROCK!!! Hold your heads high, what you've done this year is incredible.
Lose 2 titles in a row.😂
@@kevinmcgaw934…..so sarcastic!!! You just seem to lack any class or empathy yourself…..rather sad.
@@kevinmcgaw934 Considering how deep S.C.'s bench was, the fact that they have a player who is 6'7", another who is 6'5", 2 who are 6'3", and only 3 players who are shorter than 6', Iowa did a pretty good job in the first half, only down by 3, but couldn't contain them the 2nd half with only 2 bench players who got in the game for limited time. With less than 10 seconds left on the clock, Iowa put in their only starter who hadn't played since tearing her Patellar Tendon on March 4th when we defeated #2 Ohio State. We were hoping she would at least get a chance to touch the ball, but that didn't happen, and I'd rather not risk making her injury any worse. Her collegiate basketball is over. Seeing her come into the game, even though it was just to let her say she got in the championship game made me so happy that I wasn't even slightly upset that we lost. We knew going in that we probably didn't stand a chance, but our ladies still did a good job. Remember that last year, in the final 4, Iowa defeated S.C., ruining their undefeated record, making them start all over again this year, and they deserved this win. I was pissed as hell after what happened with Angel Reese's antics at the end of the championship game last year, and the fact that she chased Caitlin around the arena pointing to that ring finger, and now that we beat them in the Elite 8, that was the sweetest victory of the entire tournament but it also felt sweet to beat UCONN. We didn't expect that win either. As many complaints as there were about how that game ended, we've been in those shoes but the video doesn't lie. So you can laugh all you want, it honestly doesn't bother me, and if you see the post-game presser, Caitlin isn't crying, nobody really is, and on Sportscenter, Dawn Staley handed out a HUGE compliment to Caitlin. So another time you might find me sad or mad, but not today.
@@barbaraglynn1531 Don't worry about little ol' kevin, lol. He wouldn't know a generational player if he saw one....oh wait, if he watched the tournament he would have seen one. There's a reason SC is the champion. They have several redwood trees along with several others who are over 6' tall and a bench that's loaded with 5 star players, so they can substitute all game with fresh bodies. Iowa had 3 bench players who couldn't have slowed SC down. Hopefully our recruits bring some height in with them and our veterans can teach them what they know when it comes to Hawkeye basketball. Time will tell. I'm still proud of what our girls did. It was something that 349 other D1 teams would have LOVED to have done just once, but twice would have truly been epic. We didn't win, but we came as close as anybody else did.
South Carolina came in Undefeated and they played well. It was hard for any team to beat them
South Carolina has been the best team three years in a row. Iowa pulled the upset last year , but South Carolina was not gonna be denied today.
@@wordnerd2005that was incredible. Always….remember! Iowa beat South Carolina last year!!!!
@@1398go - Always remember LSU beat Iowa last year for the Championship!!!
@@1398goLana. I think I said that. I can't keep everyone or anyone happy. I support my team and speak the truth. Iowa had a great run but South Carolina is a dynasty. Congratulations on your programs biggest win last year.
@@1398go And didn’t get the ring last year 😂😂😂 now SC beat them and got the ring 😊
Congratulations IOWA team! God bless Caitlin!
😂😂😂 Congrats to the team that got the win and went undefeated SC 😊😊😊
Im so proud of Caitlin Clark. People who havent played sports just don't get what it takes, how much of yourself you put into the grind and how it hurts when you come up short and theres no redos. Caitlin just carries herself with so much dignity and respect for the game. I know she's a champion inside and hopefully at the next level it happens for her.
Respect to Iowa team and much respect to South Carolina's defense for sure. The whole team needed to be clicking for Iowa and it just didn't today.
Here’s the thing, Iowa was clicking for LSU and USC was clicking for IOWA. Great game. Congrats to USC and the very best to Iowa. Like Coach Staley said, Caitlin Clark has changed the game for women’s basketball 🏀
Iowa didn't "click" because S.C. played defense against them. They got WHIPPED.
Someone said that you never remember who gets second place, true...but we will remember who changed womens basketball...Great job Caitlin and good luck on your future plans.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
No one changed basketball it’s still the same
Oh, but it isn’t though. And that’s awesome! Every now and then someone comes along and helps evolve the game. She’s one of these game changers. And it’s really exciting to witness! Basketball has certainly changed since my day playing it lol
she didn’t change anything. Pulling up from 30 ft as a go to offensive strategy does not translate to winning a championship. She’s a great shooter but still needs to learn, pick your spots and know when to take the bombs. And she needs more poise in the moment. She’s still young, and has room to grow.
@@soniksourceshe changed the way the women's game is perceived, not how it's necessarily played
South carolina hasn't lost any games they weren't gonna lose this one. But for Coach Staley to call Caitlyn a goat is something in itself
I’ve been attending Iowa womens BB games for 20 years, because the product they put on the court has always been excellent. This is due to coach Bluder’s leadership in collecting a bunch of skilled but mostly ordinary midwestern girls and creating teams that can compete on a national level. She’s been doing for decades with amazing consistency, without seeking attention but with impeccable sportsmanship, with no scandals or controversies, and with unwavering loyalty to her home state and her program. She takes in girls and after 4 years she graduates women ready to contribute to our society in so many ways, based on values that will serve them for life. They used to call her girls “Bluder’s bunch”, although I haven’t heard that in a while.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate Coach Bluder and her staff for the body of work they built in Iowa - the recent and spectacular success is the culmination of their efforts over the decades and wouldn’t have happened without them.
13:53 - THIS IS DEFINITELY A TRUE STATEMENT - THEY LOVED US FOR THE WAY WE CARRIED OURSELVES EVERY SINGLE DAY.
love the candor and authentic pride on display here. The whole team should be proud, and although Caitlyn Clark might wind up being the name people remeber, Caitlyn will remember never forget that it was her teammates and her coaches that made this all possible.
@merryl Thank you for such a beautiful comment. It doesn't get more truthful than that, and Caitlin knows it. Every time she was interviewed by herself or during post-game pressers with several teammates and Coach Bluder, she ALWAYS talks about her teammates and their contributions, her coaches, and the work they've done, and even her opponents and how they played before ever saying a thing about her own contributions. Her folks raised her right!! Hopefully she'll make her mark in the WNBA. She will more than likely be the first pick and go to Indiana and be teammates with last year's rookie of the year, from S.C. Aliyah Boston!! I've never watched the WNBA, I don't know if they're even televised, but I'll be watching!
In a couple years nobody gonna remember who was the 2023-24 champion ,but we will all remember the girls on this Hawkeye team for the rest of out lives ....Thanks for the joy you've given me.
NOBODY'S going to remember who won this championship??! As if! YOU will because you're obviously a CC fan so you will always remember who de-throned your 'queen'.
Kate Martin also highly impressed me with her play!!! You guys gave us a heck of a great show! We still love you ❤️ 🤗
I must admit I was on the bandwagon a bit late. Started watching when the scoring record was set and had to see if all the hype was for real. You all have talent, give great effort, and have a lot of chemistry as a team. It was fun to watch.
Very proud to be an Iowan!!!! Hawks you gave a great fight and we are proud of you all!!!! Caitlin is amazing and the GOAT!!!! Congratulations Seniors but we are going to miss you Caitlin, Gabby & Martin. Good luck in your bright futures!!!! ❤️🏀🇺🇸❤️
Kudos to SC Coach for her shout out to Caitlin!! That’s a classy coach right there and her appraising God was very touching!! Congratulations to SC, going down as undefeated is impressive.
You are the goat and you girls make us proud to be Iowa
One of the Goats, Not the Goat...
That would be Breanna Stewart, Google her resume. 101-5 through 4 years. The titles and awards speak for themselves.😂.
@@epiphanylewis5274 exactly! ONE of many....
Wow...for the last few months the only sports I was watching was women's bascketball. I was so impressed with the quality and spirit of the players. The coaches and the women's athletes were so impressive at the college level that I watched more bascketball this year than ever before. And I enjoyed it more than ever! The wisdom and the life coaching I witnessed in the post game interviews was inspirational. I'm an older guy and I was so comforted to see the caliber of our young people given how divisive the nonsports world has become. These women will build a better world.
Hold your head up girls! Awesome season proud of you all. Watched you all year and loved you all.
yes, this time at least there was no crying on the press conference
Very well-spoken and amazingly talented team with a great coach. Coach Bluder and this team have had an amazing run and plenty to be proud of. It’s because of this team that I now watch women’s college basketball. They were a joy to watch throughout the season.
Thank you for a wonderful and entertaining season!
She's amazing as is S.C and dawn Staley's team. Great game!
What Dad wouldn’t want any of the these skilled,gritty yet classy athletes for a daughter?……Coach Bluder demonstrated skill,dedication and warmth the entire season….This team was a pleasure to watch.
Class act from top to bottom!
GREAT game....for the first 3 quarters. SC was just a better team with more depth and far better rebounding.
@@Neil-ht8fv What would have helped was boxing out. Not one person got all the rebounds...
South Carolina was just too big. Iowa needed to shoot the lights out to have a chance.....and they didn't.
This was a special team even though they didn't finish the job.
Thank you catlain Clark YOUR THE BEST... FROM TOP FAN OF.. PHILIPPINES.
I wish they had shown more of the joy they deserve for having done a hell of job all year getting to that final.
Being first loser is no fun. The sports public rarely remembers who came in second but they will remember this team.They did what they set out to do - they provided a lot of joy for the public, inside and outside of basketball - not to mention the huge donations they generated in multiple events for multiple recipients. How many teams in college sports can say that?
I'm not an Iowa fan, but became one this past year after watching a few of their games. Caitlin Clark is a special talent as are other the players as well. It was a lot of fun watching them all play together. It is a shame they lost, but handled it with class. They are a good group of role models. 🏀
Judging only by the people, Iowa must be a great place.
@user-qq4 It's not a bad place if you don't mind 100 degrees in the summer and a few feet of snow or frigid temps in the winter. I've lived here my entire life, and while some people are jerks, and there are criminals, for the most part Iowa is AWESOME!!!
@@survivrsvery true about the weather. I’ve lived both in Iowa and other places, and I can say with no reservation that the percentage of jerks or criminals is noticeably lower in Iowa. Her strongest suit is not weather, riches or sightseeing, but her people.
Unfortunately, you are seeing the best of Iowa here. I was in Davenport for about a decade, and there is a large toothless contingent if you know what I mean.
it is!
@@elmoblatch9787 Yeah, there's some areas of Davenport that I don't want to be anywhere near, even at high noon.
They look so crushed ☹️☹️🥺😢😢 losing really does hurt. So sorry! You did well! SC was huge and had lots of subs to never tire. We are proud of you all!
Great season Iowa Lady Hawkeyes and Coach Bluder on tremendous season...Can't wait to see your phenomenal freshman class next year...Christ bless Caitlin the Great❤❤❤...
Class Act Oklahoma here. Never v watched women's basketball before. Thanks for the past 2 years
Thank you for bringing back the love of the game. Awesome coach and players, you will always be winners.
Iowa, you're a great team. Congratulations to South Carolina . You guys had the balls for the win.
As a little kid we played 12:48 basketball in the driveway listening to the radio when Everly made it to state. 3 on 3 was the woman's game then. Wow have we come far!! Thanks woman. We love you.
A Iowa Hawkeye graduate. And Hawkeye forever!!!
This whole phenomenon reminds me of the US vs Russia hockey game in the Olympics years ago.Absolutely epic for women’s sports across the board
Congratulations to Iowa Hawkeyes for setting the women basketball on a higher level. Caitlin, Kate, Gabbie, Hannah and all the girls you brought your underrated team twice to national championships. Good luck to all and you may succeed on your plans ahead. God bless you all🙏🙏🙏
Would have liked to have seen Caitlin Clark & Iowa when a Natty! But tough break. God Bless!
South Carolina had the better team last night. Congrats to both teams. It’s been fun.
Hopefully this expands the amount of players that would want to play for a program like Iowa
So so proud of you all!
Iowa did all they could against a superior team. Love them for their amazing accomplishments. Go forward seniors with a sense of purpose and satisfaction of a job well done. Will look forward to Cait's next chapter. It might be as soon as in Paris this summer.
Because of Clarke performance many follow iowa team, she's a class and mature every year, I can't stop loving her and her coach , all the very best in your pro journey champ ❤
I'm so proud of the Hawkeyes! I got to see Iowa play Kansas State in Ft. Myers and will cherish that memory. Thanks to Kate Martin, Gabby Marshall and Caitlin for a wild and wonderful ride!!
As they say the team is a reflection of their coach. LSU coaches players that are cocky when they win and are poor sports when they lose. UConn will never be confused with humble and have that air of arrogance and smugness like their coach. South Carolina has a team that has fun and plays loose because their coach. Iowa was a team that was easy to like. Tough, gritty, classy built with one five star recruit and the rest threes. Not the most talented bunch but got the most out of their talent.
Caitlin was totally calm, cool, and collect during this press conference!
Poor Kate! We see your contribution also Kate! Will be watching to see where you go from here. So many have said you were the GLUE! Thank you all for a great year!
IOWA should be extremely proud. True fighters to the bitter end - God will have a time for them in the future to win a championship. They changed NCAA forever - I am Woman's basketball fan now because of Iowa and Caitlin Clark. Spectacular team and coaching.
Still Caitlin Clark and Hawkeye fan.
It is amazing what she has done for the game. She has driven up the popularity of the game like no other women's player. She has driven up the sales of tickets. She has inspired young women. She has put Iowa on the map. She talks like a winner not like a selfish spoiled egotistical brat. Caitlin talks about her team and the impact of the sport. Some other players talk about themselves and not about their team. This is what I want kids to be exposed to. We need more of this intelligent selfless behavior!! great job Iowa!!
that laugh when the reporter asked have you allowed yourself to be excited about what's next...lol.
Finishing 2nd twice is nothing to scoff at, especially when every game you played in was a ratings extravaganza. Who remembers the winner three years ago?
I do. It was Stanford vs. Arizona.
I remember South Carolina being in final four and losing nail biter to Stanford.
I’m just glad that Iowa got a chance to beat them last year. No doubt that was an amazing feat. And I will ALWAYS ALWAYS REMEMBER Iowa was the only team that beat them last year. Watch their last years game. After Iowa beat them, it was 36-1, not 37-0! That’s a good point Clark made….a 6’7 female is nearly impossible to guard!
The Refs beat South Carolina last year it was pretty obvious lol
Still holding on to 2023. Smh
The refs gave that game to them last year and they did it again on Thursday when Uconn would have won. So go ahead and keep crying in ur beer because the bottom line is, the refs couldn't save they're asses this year in the championship game and Damn Staley told here players to keep pushing hard in order to not give them a chance to cheat them again.
Caitlin made me a Fan three years ago and I've seen the growth in College females (only ) basketball . South Carolina was a big team and I have to say I saw this coming , but Caitlin's long game was off . But one person does not make a TEAM . May God give thanks to the Iowa Team and the families of all these young ladies moving on in Life. Thanks CAITLIN CLARK for everything you've done we'll follow you in your next step in your future .
What a joy to watch this team. I don't live in Iowa or particularly into womens basketball.
They are always grateful, even in painful moments. No complaining, just pure joy.
They taught me something... be gratefu,l take care of each other, and let your joy shine
Great work ethic! Keep working!
Caitlin is a class act always.
I loved this statement: Dawn Staley is our Olympic coach.
So much greatness has come to Women’s basketball in not a lot of time.
Great people is the reason.
I've been following women's college basketball since Rebecca Lobo joined UConn and have never looked back nor regretted it. It's where the best basketball is played by players who will not play beyond their graduation.
Coach Bluder is so class. I hope she is appreciated. Gabbie Marshall is so clutch, tenacious, and selfless. Caitlin is why I noticed Bluder and Marshall are why I stayed.
Congrats to SC, great team. Proves you need some beef on your team. Those big girls are something. Back to Iowa, what a bunch of class, coach and the girls. Lost the game, no boo hoo, no woe is me crap. Pure class. Fun to watch.
Psh ain’t nothing classy about Clark how she taunted Raven last year and today the same player she taunted shut her down payback is real.
@@LaLa2time What the hell you talking about, she was told to go out and guard her. Last year the girl could hit the backboard, Clark waved one time. All of a sudden she disrespected her, give me a break, OVER REACTING much. Oh ya that's what they do.
@@robertward553 I don’t care about none of your excuses she still taunted and disrespected Raven by waving her off and she did the John Cena in Van Lith face from Louisville last year that’s disrespectful also so nobody trying to hear nothing you gotta say take this L. The Cinderella story is over on to the next bye bye Clark😂🤣😂
@@LaLa2time racist troll
She didn't do ANYTHING to Van Lith or any other player from ANY OTHER TEAM. She did it to her coaches, and they "got it". She had done it before. The ONLY thing that went on with Van Lith was some trash talk to Clark, and she shot back with "shut up, you're down by 15". Nothing more. As for "Raven", is she the one who was behind the arc and Clark dared her to put up the shot? Everyone else was jammed up in the lane because everyone from both teams knew she wouldn't take the shot. It's called watching game film before you play a team. That's how they knew she wouldn't take the shot and Iowa beat S.C. This year S.C. had a 6'7 and a 6'5" player. A little hard to beat when you can't shoot over the tree limbs. S.C. is freaking good.
Keep in mind all of this took an excellent skilled coach to bring this together. This team did not run on auto drive.
Caitlin, you and the rest of the Hawkeyes are fantastic! I look forward to watching you in the WNBA.
congratulations on a great season, inspiring story, performed as well as possible, considering. true winners on this team!
All I can say is, I've never watched college basketball before Caitlin, now I'm a fan.
Very few times did I watch, but I'm a fan now! I ride with Caitlin!
Gracious in defeat as well. . . Intelligent off the court, well spoken. And a total class act. . . When YOU ARE.the best woman's player ever, and carry yourself the way she does, that's why people gravitate to Caitlin. ✌👍🇺🇸🙏
This player brought 15 million viewers to the game and dummies saying she didn’t change the game lmafaoo
Thank you Caitlyn for attracting 20 million people to Sundays game…
Iowa showed a lot of class especially in the last 3 games, and a remarkable season
Hopefully coach can turn Hannah to be a really good player. She needs a lot more confidence to fight for the ball and not being silly sometimes. She’s a gem to be polished.
You made a difference. You had an impact. In life, you can't ask for much more. Congratulations!
Thank you Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes for being a class act
Congratulations Caitlin Clark for me your the greatest player among women in NCAa gogo gogo these is not the end of your journey God bless
How awesome coach starts the press conference with acknowledging SC. And Dawn did similar. This is class. The Iowa girls were the same. So proud of this team. There will a high number of haters who could not wait for CC to lose because she is everything they are not; a high achiever. Go Hawkes and good luck for the WNBA CC and the seniors in their future endeavours.
@Dwb.x Great comment. I watched both, and I couldn't have said it any better than what you did.
Great job Lady Hawks…what a class act you are!!!
Good for women’s sports in America’s heartland!
Great for college sports. Gamecock Forever. Sorry so many trolls inject racism infest racism into our sports and nation.
I am sorry these ladies classic sportsmanship.❤❤
Sooo glad for South Carolina!!! Buh bye, Cattie!
No need to be upset, you did what you could. It's over just move forward. Let the media whine about could've, would've, should've until they get some new material.
Over 19 million watched this game, and 22 million at one time.
Bluder seems great! Someone should tell her though that Slaley is NOT the olympic coach. She has said this a couple of times. She was the olympic coach but it is now Cheryl Reeve.
I love watching women basketball games now these beautiful women played like True champion hats off to both teams
I won't watch Womens college basketball ever again. But I will watch my first ever WNBA game next year.
Never said never :) may be a young girl who has been inspired by Iowa and Caitlin Clark plays will one day take us by storm again like Clark did.
note to journalists,
in a press conference like this, when you have the once in a lifetime opportunity (in this case, Caitlyn's final game presser); do not squander your one question on leading question. That is to say, a question which isn't designed to get information, rather, to get quotes for the article you've already written.
why does every question have to be about legacy or future?
Why not:::? her favorite favorite moment in the tournament or her career? Why not her favorite color, movie or food?
Or Maybe you want to put her on the spot and ask her which opposing player in the tournament is hardest to guard, or who guarded her the best.
Who her favorite WNBA player is?
What, not including her team or university, will she miss most about the state of IOWA?
while all of those things are inane in their own right; at least they would generate interest. There's not a whole lot more boring than watching single-minded people reword the exact same single-minded questions.
The way to the top is too be unique
Oh please
You know Cailin was exciting to watch, but the entire team was exciting to watch too! Every one of those gals had their strengths. They played basketball the way it should have been played, with pride, strength and comradery. This team was a love fest. What I mean by that is JOY, FUN and Love. What a team! THANK YOU Hawks. I am proud to be a Hawkeye! YOU Women rock! We will be supporting the women next season and I bet you the graduating seniors will too!