This season, Ava Heiden didn’t exactly surprise anyone, but the way she’s improving every week is transforming early optimism into full-fledged momentum for Iowa women’s basketball. After an incredible weekend in Orlando, the sophomore center now has another award to show for it: Big Ten Player of the Week. This is a well-deserved mark on what looks to be a breakout season.
Heiden controlled the paint with a confidence and presence that felt a little bigger, a little stronger, and a little more polished than last year, as anyone who watched Iowa at the WBCA Showcase could see right away. Over the course of the two games in Orlando, she averaged 18 points and 8.5 rebounds while appearing remarkably composed in the face of elite opponents. Owning the moment and putting up good numbers are two different things, and Heiden obviously went with the latter.
The way Iowa has embraced its identity is what has made her ascent even more compelling. Inside-out basketball has always been valued by coach Jan Jensen, who has built her entire reputation on producing elite post players. The Hawkeyes are thriving with it this season, not just accepting it. Heiden and junior forward Hannah Stuelke have developed into one of the Big Ten’s most effective and formidable duos. Their combined averages of 28.3 points and 17.1 rebounds per game would make any coaching staff happy.
Heiden is providing Iowa with a different kind of anchor, but Stuelke has long been recognized for her athleticism and unwavering drive. She’s defending without needless fouls, scoring with touch and power, grabbing rebounds in traffic, and—possibly most importantly—displaying the kind of poise that elevates mediocre players to stardom. The Hawkeyes now have depth in the post that they haven’t had in years thanks to the contributions of freshman Layla Hays.
And the offense of Iowa? It is the reason it is humming. After six games, the Hawkeyes are shooting more than 49 percent from the field, a statistic that demonstrates how methodical and disciplined their strategy has been. Kick-out threes, driving lanes, and mid-range looks all become possible when you can play through the post like Iowa is doing. It transforms a strong offense into a dynamic one, and Iowa is benefiting from it.
Heiden’s figures speak for themselves on their own. In addition to leading the team in scoring (15.8), rebounding (8.8), and field goal percentage (a scorching 63.3%), she ranks third in minutes per game (24), demonstrating how indispensable she has become. The ease with which she is producing is even more amazing. She’s not making shots. The offense is not being taken out of rhythm by her. She’s just making the correct move, possession after possession.
It makes sense that Isabel Gonzalez of CBS Sports considered her a possible breakthrough star earlier in the season. Heiden has always possessed the skills that are often reserved for upperclassmen, including size, strength, touch, and footwork. She is now fusing that with self-assurance, expertise, and a more sophisticated sense of the game.
Iowa still has a lot to prove throughout the lengthy season, particularly if Big Ten action picks up speed. However, the Hawkeyes appear to be a squad with a distinct identity and a growing force in the middle right now. Ava Heiden’s trophy cabinet may need to be expanded before spring if she continues to play at this level. The awards are stacking up.
