Buzz is rapidly building around the Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball program as the team positions itself as the leading contender to land two high-profile transfers
: Chazadi Wright from Georgia Tech and Kayleigh Heckel from USC. If head coach Jan Jensen is able to secure commitments from both standout guards, it could mark a defining moment in Iowa’s transition into the post-Caitlin Clark era—one that could not only stabilize the backcourt but elevate the Hawkeyes into serious national contention.
Chazadi Wright, a lightning-quick 5’4” guard, has become a coveted player in the transfer portal thanks to her explosive speed, sharp court vision, and reliable shooting range. Known for her gritty play on both ends of the court, Wright’s ability to break down defenses and create scoring opportunities makes her an immediate plug-and-play option for any top-tier program. At Georgia Tech, she established herself as a fierce competitor with a high motor—averaging double-digit scoring while leading her team in assists and steals per game.
Meanwhile, Kayleigh Heckel brings a different kind of firepower. A highly touted point guard who played her freshman season at USC, Heckel is being pursued by multiple elite programs, including UConn and Notre Dame. However, Iowa’s rising momentum—and Jan Jensen’s growing reputation as a player-focused leader—has seemingly moved the Hawkeyes to the front of the line. Heckel is known for her smooth handles, court leadership, and advanced shot-making ability. Despite her youth, she plays with the poise of a veteran and would be a foundational piece for the Hawkeyes’ future.
Together, Wright and Heckel could form one of the most dynamic backcourts in the nation. Their skill sets complement each other well—Wright’s tenacity and tempo could open up opportunities for Heckel’s polished offensive game, while both have the potential to thrive in Iowa’s pace-and-space offensive scheme. More importantly, their arrival would signal that Iowa is not retreating after losing Caitlin Clark, but reloading with strategic purpose.
For Jan Jensen, in her first full season as Iowa’s head coach after succeeding Lisa Bluder, this potential double-win could mark a turning point. Securing Wright and Heckel would reflect her ability not only to recruit high-level talent but to do so in a fiercely competitive transfer market. It would also reinforce Iowa’s brand as a program where guards can flourish, build their profile, and compete at the highest levels of college basketball.
With the Big Ten bracing for a new era of competition and parity, the Hawkeyes appear poised to remain at the forefront. If Wright and Heckel don the black and gold, the message will be clear: Iowa isn’t rebuilding—it’s reloading. And Jan Jensen might be the architect of the next powerhouse in women’s college hoops.
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