Iowa Women’s Basketball Is Taking Initial Steps with Destiny, a 2027 Four-Star Forward Manyawu Elite basketball players continue to flock to Iowa City, and the next big name to grace Carver-Hawkeye Arena may have a well-known last name.
A 6-foot-3 power forward from Kansas City, Missouri named Destiny Manyawu created a lot of buzz among Iowa fans and recruiting insiders earlier this week when she posted pictures from her unofficial visit to Iowa City. In addition to being a talented prospect, the four-star recruit from the class of 2027 has an intriguing family connection as the younger sister of Iowa men’s basketball forward Cam Manyawu.
Destiny has already established herself on the national scene. She currently plays for Staley High School and is a member of the MoKan Girls program, which competes on the Nike EYBL circuit. Rivals has her ranked No. 25 overall, No. 7 among power forwards, and the best player in Missouri.
That’s a great resume for someone who is still two years away from high school graduation. An important turning point in her early career is her visit to Iowa City. Since receiving a scholarship offer from Iowa on June 12, she has been keeping a close eye on the Hawkeyes’ women’s program, which has become one of the most talked-about in the country due to its dynamic playstyle and rising national prominence.
There are other schools vying for her attention besides Iowa, of course. Powerhouse programs from Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Oregon, Ohio State, and Michigan have all made their offers, according to Manyawu’s offer list. There is fierce competition in that field, so it’s obvious that no team will have an easy time acquiring her.
Nevertheless, Iowa may have an innate familial bond that no other state has. According to reports, her older brother Cam has assimilated into the Hawkeye culture since joining the Iowa men’s program in 2023. When a younger sibling is choosing a college, that kind of inside look at the campus culture, including the coaches, the community, and everyday life, can be very helpful.
Iowa has positioned itself well in the early stages, but it’s still far too early to say where Destiny will ultimately commit. In an attempt to build on the national momentum created during the Caitlin Clark era, head coach Lisa Bluder and her staff have been aggressive in their recruiting efforts. Recruits like Manyawu are taking notice of the Hawkeyes’ stronger-than-ever brand.
Destiny’s combination of size, athleticism, and finesse makes her game stand out. She can dominate the paint at six feet three, but she can also move outside to defend on the perimeter or make midrange shots. Her timing on blocks and her motor on both ends of the floor are highly praised by coaches; these qualities are ideal for the Big Ten’s physical, fast-paced style of play.
Her story is a good example of how women’s basketball recruiting is evolving. Players like Destiny are growing up watching celebrities like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese headline SportsCenter, something that wasn’t the case ten years ago, thanks to the game’s explosive growth in popularity.
Programs like Iowa are now national destinations rather than just local favorites. Therefore, even though it’s too soon to declare Iowa the favorite, it’s undeniable that the Hawkeyes are on the rise and have a close-knit family that could be crucial.
Over the next two years, Destiny Manyawu’s recruitment will be closely monitored if her visit is any indication. Additionally, Iowa fans may soon be cheering for two Manyawus lighting up the court in Iowa City if she decides to wear black and gold.
