The Iowa Hawkeyes have sent a few players to the WNBA, and head coach Jen Jensen wants Ava Heiden to follow one of those players’ college development. No, it’s not Caitlin Clark. It’s Megan Gustafson.
After an 80-67 win over Nebraska, Jensen talked about the next steps for Heiden. “Her athleticism and her foot speed are pretty extraordinary,” Jensen said. “And I think she’s just beginning. I think we can get her even more efficient with the placement and understanding of how to post up for one or two passes away.”
She added, “When I think of one of our former great post players, Megan Gustafson, who I’ve told every post player that I’ve ever visited with, or different people used to call me up, they have a high school post kid, and I’d say just watch Megan Gustafson’s film. Her ability to really think like a point guard, and that’s where our next steps with Ava as we continue is.”
Ava Heiden leads the Hawkeyes in scoring
After a relatively quiet freshman season, Heiden has established herself as the Hawkeyes’ leading scorer. She is averaging 16.4 points on almost 70% shooting from the field, 7.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1 block for the season, as her team continues to pile up wins.
That marks a massive jump compared to her averages from last season, and already hints at what Heiden could be for the Hawkeyes in a year or two.
Between Heiden, Addie Deal, Taylor Stremlow, and Chit-Chat Wright, Iowa is set up well for the future—especially if Heiden takes another massive step forward.
Megan Gustafson had a very successful college career
Gustafson played for the Hawkeyes from 2015-2019 and left her mark on the program. She left the program holding several single-season and career records, like most points scored, most rebounds recorded, most field goals made, and most double-doubles (both in a single season and for her career). Gustafson also held the Big Ten single-season scoring and rebounding records.
In her senior season, Gustafson took home several awards. She was named Big Ten Player of the Year, Big Ten Tournament MOP, Big Ten Female Athlete of the Year, AP Player of the Year, Naismith College Player of the Year, and the Lisa Leslie Award winner.
Iowa retired her number in 2020. Only two other players have received that honor: Caitlin Clark and Michelle Edwards.
Gustafson left Iowa as a second-round pick in 2019, starting her WNBA career with the Dallas Wings. Since then, she has won championships in Europe and the WNBA.