Chit-Chat Wright, an Iowa standout, attributes his continued success to coaching trust.
No. 21 Iowa once again demonstrated why it’s one of the nation’s most intriguing early-season teams after defeating Northern Iowa 74-41 on Sunday night. At the center of it all is sophomore point guard Chit-Chat Wright, a 5-foot-4 spark plug who is quickly evolving from a traditional pass-first facilitator into a self-assured scoring threat—thanks, she claims, to head coach Jan Jensen’s confidence and her teammates’ support.
Wright has now scored in double figures in three of the Hawkeyes’ four games this season, averaging 14.5 points per game, including her 19-point performance on 7-for-8 from the field, 3-for-3 from 3-point territory, and 2-for-2 from the free-throw line. Wright stated, “It makes it easier because you know that your head coach wants you to shoot those shots, so it gives you a boost of confidence.” “My team also instructs me to shoot those shots, and Hannah (Stuelke) says, ‘Shoot, Chat!’ when she passes, so I shoot the ball.”
Wright later remarked, grinning and pointing to her teammates, “It makes it easier because you know that your head coach wants you to shoot those shots.” It boosts your self-esteem. Additionally, my team instructs me to take those pictures, and Hannah (Stuelke) exclaims, “Shoot, Chat!” as she goes by. I then shoot the ball.
Wright is demonstrating time and time again that a player with confidence can accomplish amazing things. She now leads the Hawkeyes at 14.5 points per game after scoring in double figures three times in Iowa’s first four games. These are the results of someone taking on a leading role, not just lovely complementary numbers.
The efficiency behind it is even more remarkable. With a scorching 66.7% field goal percentage and a 61.1% three-point shooting percentage, Wright currently leads the team. Indeed, it’s still early. Indeed, the competition hasn’t been particularly fierce. However, players don’t just happen to get such numbers. They are the result of rhythm, confidence, and the coaching staff’s approval. Jensen expressed her desire for Wright to be more aggressive from the beginning of the offseason. After losing important players, Iowa needed scoring balance. Wright’s ability to create off the dribble and now complete her own plays has perfectly filled that need.
It’s clear from watching Wright perform that she has embraced the part. She plays with that fearless edge that smaller guards frequently rely on, picks her spots, and accelerates the pace. Her photos don’t appear staged. She’s just accepting what her defenses provide, something she used to do far too frequently. However, as everyone involved in the program is aware, the true test is yet to come. When the Hawkeyes play No. 7 Baylor in the WBCA Showcase in Orlando on Thursday night, Iowa’s easy early-season schedule will be replaced with a much more difficult task. In addition to being unbeaten, Baylor is a long, strong, and disciplined team. On shooters, they close out. Ball handlers are swarmed by them. They penalize reluctance.
That is, the precise type of team that indicates whether a breakout is genuine or merely a hot start. However, there is a sincere conviction that Wright’s development is sustainable in Iowa City. Her work ethic is praised by her teammates. Coaches have faith in her. Wright herself appears to be enjoying herself at last, free from the urge to constantly set someone else up. The Hawkeyes may have found their next big star if Sunday’s performance is any indication. She’s just starting to realize how dangerous she can be with the ball in her hands. The nation will now be able to witness whether that self-assurance carries over to the big stage.
