Chit-Chat Wright, a sophomore point guard who transferred from Georgia Tech to Iowa, has immediately settled in with the Hawkeyes, both on the court and in her new Midwest environment. The native of Atlanta has embraced life in Iowa City, adjusting to a different basketball culture, a colder climate, and a bigger role in one of the most reliable women’s college basketball programs in the country. Prior to Iowa’s eagerly awaited game against top-ranked UConn, Wright recently met with the media. Her positive attitude made it evident that the transition has gone more smoothly than many might have imagined. Iowan winters can be unfamiliar to a player who was raised in the South, but Wright has adapted to them all.
Wright grinned and remarked, “So far, it’s been pretty good.” “It’s not too bad. I’m beginning to grow accustomed to the cold and snowfall. In fact, it’s quite pleasant to look at, particularly when you’re inside sipping hot chocolate. It’s been enjoyable. Her play is a direct result of that easy comfort. The 5-foot-4 guard has blended in perfectly with Iowa’s offensive scheme despite being new to the program. Wright has made eight appearances so far this season, averaging 11.1 points per game while shooting a scorching 50% from beyond the arc and an outstanding 50.8% from the field. Additionally, she has been dependable at the free-throw line, making 85.7% of her shots.
Wright has consistently made plays and put forth defensive effort in addition to scoring. Her all-around impact and willingness to do the little things that help Iowa win are demonstrated by her 3.5 assists, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. An already disciplined and balanced Hawkeyes team now has an additional dimension thanks to her ability to control tempo, knock down shots, and put pressure on opposing guards. Wright hasn’t had a perfect season, though. Due to an injury sustained during the Hawkeyes’ game against Baylor on November 20, she has only played in eight of Iowa’s first eleven games. She had to deal with both physical recuperation and psychological annoyance after the injury, which was the first significant health issue of her college career.
Wright said, “It’s been pretty challenging.” “This is the first significant injury I’ve sustained since starting college. It’s about overcoming it and attempting to resume playing at my best and feeling like my former self. Though I’m still working to get there, I can see progress. Several parts of her body were impacted, but her upper body was the most affected. Wright clarified that stiffness in her neck and shoulders from whiplash-like symptoms limited her range of motion and occasionally made even basic movements uncomfortable.
She remarked, “It was a little bit of everything.” primarily the upper body, particularly the neck and shoulders. It was difficult for me to fully turn my head or feel normal outside due to the severe whiplash. Wright’s perseverance has been remarkable in spite of those difficulties. Coaches and teammates have commended her professionalism and fortitude, pointing out how quickly she has assimilated Iowa’s system while remaining patient with her recuperation. She has shown maturity for a sophomore who is still getting used to her new surroundings.
As Iowa gets ready for one of its biggest tests of the season this weekend, that growth might be crucial. The No. 12 Hawkeyes have a 10-1 overall record and a 1-0 record in Big Ten play going into their matchup with No. 1 UConn on Saturday. In contrast, UConn is still undefeated at 11-0 and continues to be the benchmark for women’s collegiate basketball. The game will take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. CT. Fox will broadcast the game nationally. Wright’s presence could be crucial to Iowa’s ability to pull off the upset, and the team will need to have sharp guard play, poise, and confidence.
Wright gives Iowa another dependable ball handler and scorer who can step up on a big stage if she can keep getting stronger. She is currently enjoying the snow, embracing the process, and doing everything in her power to support the success of her new team. Chit-Chat Wright has quickly demonstrated that she is not only acclimating to life in the Midwest but also playing a significant role in Iowa’s quest for another outstanding season. As the season progresses, her journey demonstrates perseverance, tenacity, and optimism qualities that strike a deep chord with Iowa’s locker room and with fans eager to see her story continue to develop.
