As Iowa hosts Drake in a rematch, Lisa Bluder takes the booth once more. Fans will recognize and love the voice behind the mic when Iowa women’s basketball plays Drake on Thursday night. For what is sure to be an unforgettable in-state game inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena, legendary former Hawkeyes head coach Lisa Bluder will join play-by-play commentator Mike Hall as the color analyst for the Big Ten Network broadcast.
For Bluder, it’s a full-circle moment, not just another game. The Hall of Fame coach, who coached Drake and Iowa during her illustrious career, will now offer analysis on the same programs that helped shape her legacy.
Bluder transformed the Hawkeyes into a dominant force between 2000 and 2024, guiding them to five Big Ten Tournament championships, consecutive trips to the national championship game, and an incredible 528-254 overall record. Her relationship with players and fans made her one of the most respected people in college basketball, and under her leadership, Iowa basketball became known for its thrilling, team-first style.
Bluder, however, established herself at Drake long before she became a Hawkeye legend. She led the Bulldogs to a 187-106 record between 1990 and 2000, winning several Missouri Valley Conference titles and laying the groundwork for the program’s long-term success. A rare, sentimental twist that heightens the intrigue is that Thursday’s game will be the first time she has called a matchup between both of her former teams.
This will be Bluder’s first official game assignment, although her new position with the Big Ten Network was announced back in early October. Fans in Iowa are undoubtedly excited to hear her thoughts from the broadcast booth. Bluder, who is well-known for her cool head, keen basketball acumen, and clever sense of humor, will undoubtedly bring warmth and nuance to the telecast.
As the Hawkeyes continue to forge their identity in the wake of Bluder’s retirement and the appointment of new head coach Jan Jensen, Bluder’s longtime assistant and close friend, Thursday’s game is another early-season test for Iowa (2-0). The program continues where it left off, executing offensive plays with precision and the same tenacious mentality that characterized the Bluder era.
In contrast, Drake (1-1) comes into the match hoping to upset its more well-known in-state opponent. Despite the Hawkeyes’ current 31-25 lead in the all-time series, the Bulldogs are capable of pushing the pace and are well-coached. They have also caused Iowa problems in previous years. Although Iowa has prevailed in the previous seven meetings, any fan in the state is aware that an Iowa-Drake game can go either way.
More than just a basketball game, the 7:30 p.m. CT tipoff at Carver-Hawkeye Arena is expected to be a celebration of Iowa’s basketball culture. The evening will be filled with a great sense of pride and nostalgia because both fan bases are very involved and Bluder’s commentary serves to bridge the gap between the two programs.
For Bluder, it marks a new phase in a career that has already seen decades of success. Although she is no longer coaching, her enthusiasm for the game is obviously still present. Fans can anticipate the same genuineness and passion for basketball that initially made her a legend as she switches out the clipboard for a headset. It feels like basketball in Iowa has returned home for those watching at home when Lisa Bluder analyzes an Iowa-Drake game.
