Iowa women’s basketball continues to excel even in the post-Caitlin Clark era, but one noticeable void remains—the absence of their three-point dynamo. Clark was more than just the team’s top scorer; she was the driving force behind Iowa’s offense, blending flair and precision in a way few others could replicate. However, the team’s former sharpshooter, Kylie Feuerbach, is now facing a challenging phase.
Statistically, Feuerbach’s struggles are evident. This season, her three-point shooting percentage has plummeted to 27.3%, the lowest of her career at Iowa. Out of 66 three-point attempts, she has made only 18. Her overall contributions stand at 6.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while playing 25.5 minutes per match. Compounding the issue, she has reached double-digit scoring in just three of the 13 games this season.
Fans are beginning to call for a reduction in her playing time. Kyle Huesmann of Hawkeye Report voiced a blunt critique on social media, stating, “If Kylie Feuerbach is going to get open threes, she has to make them.” This dip in performance is especially disheartening given Feuerbach’s inspiring return last season after sitting out the 2022-23 campaign due to an ACL injury.
Feuerbach had previously added depth and versatility to Iowa’s roster, as Caitlin Clark herself acknowledged last season. Reflecting on their time as teammates, Clark had praised Feuerbach’s resilience and ability to provide a spark off the bench. Despite her current struggles, there is hope that Feuerbach can rediscover her form.
The absence of Clark’s three-point prowess is a glaring challenge for Iowa. Over her illustrious career, Clark made 283 three-pointers, setting records both at Iowa and in NCAA Division I. Her incredible shooting ability, including a record-tying performance in the NCAA tournament, set a standard that is difficult to replicate.
Despite this, Iowa has shown resilience. The team recently defeated Penn State 80-66, with players like Taylor McCabe, Addison O’Grady, and Hannah Stuelke stepping up to fill the void. However, the unmatched dominance Clark brought to the court is irreplaceable, underscoring the immense impact she had during her time with the team.
To honor her legacy, Iowa will retire Clark’s iconic No. 22 jersey on February 2 in a game against USC. This tribute will place her among Iowa legends Megan Gustafson and Michelle Edwards. Clark’s departure for the WNBA and Iowa’s narrow loss in the 2024 NCAA National Championship marked the end of an extraordinary chapter. As the school poignantly stated, “There will never be another Caitlin Clark, and there will never be another 22.”
Tickets for the jersey retirement game have reached historic prices, reflecting the significance of the occasion. With even the cheapest tickets selling for $711, fans are willing to pay over $1,000 to witness this momentous event at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
While Clark’s jersey will take its rightful place in the rafters, Iowa’s challenge remains clear: rediscovering their three-point rhythm. The team is performing admirably, but replacing the magic of a player like Caitlin Clark is a formidable task. Fans hope that Feuerbach and her teammates can rise to the occasion and continue Iowa’s proud basketball tradition.