Ava Heiden is making waves in women's college basketball, and for good reason. Last season, she proved herself as a dominant force in the post for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Averaging 18 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, while shooting a remarkable 64.1 percent from the field, Heiden's performance earned her a spot on the First Team All-Big Ten, as well as an AP All-American Honorable Mention.
At 6-foot-4, Heiden's presence around the rim was nothing short of elite, boasting a 73.9 percent shooting rate at the rim, which placed her among the top post scorers in the nation. Her impact was further highlighted by her 18th place in Torvik's BPM rating, a testament to her significant contribution to Iowa's scoring margin.
But it's not just her stats that tell the story. Heiden was in the 96th percentile for points per possession on post-up attempts and excelled in transition, converting an impressive 86.4 percent of her shots in those scenarios. These numbers underscore her versatility and efficiency on the court.
Looking ahead, Heiden is not resting on her laurels. She's honing her skills over the summer, focusing on free throws, turnaround jump shots, and post slides to expand her game.
Last season, she shot 73.7 percent from the free-throw line and 38.6 percent on mid-range jumpers. By improving these areas, she aims to become an even more formidable threat, capable of spacing the floor and challenging defenders in multiple facets of the game.
Heiden's decision to stay in Iowa City this summer, rather than joining the USA 3v3 team, speaks volumes about her commitment. While the opportunity to play internationally was tempting, she prioritized her development and team responsibilities. Her summer plans included an internship and leadership conferences, alongside summer workouts with her teammates, emphasizing her dedication to both personal growth and team cohesion.
Iowa head coach Jan Jensen noted the rigorous nature of the 3v3 schedule and how it leans heavily towards guards, making Heiden's decision to focus on her role with the Hawkeyes a wise one. Her ability to adapt to different play styles, such as pick-and-rolls and ball screen actions, will be crucial as she continues to develop her game.
Heiden's chemistry with new Iowa guard Dani Carnegie, forged during the 3v3 tryouts, is another positive development. Their complementary skills are expected to enhance Iowa's offense, particularly in ball-screen actions.
As the 2026-27 season approaches, Heiden is aware of the high expectations and preseason hype. Yet, she's keeping her focus on team success over individual accolades. By staying off social media and concentrating on her game, Heiden is setting herself up for another standout season.
With a strong supporting cast of guards to help alleviate some pressure, Heiden's footwork, mobility, and expanding skill set make her a formidable presence in the post. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how she continues to elevate her game and lead the Hawkeyes to success.
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Jan Jensen Is Closing In On A Massive Iowa Recruiting Win
Jan Jensens Iowa program has already made real noise in the recruiting cycle, headlined by the addition of five-star forward McKenna Woliczko and Ella Stromdahl in the 2026 class. Now the Hawkeyes are pushing to keep that momentum going by targeting backcourt help for the future, with multiple offers out to highly regarded players in the 2028 group as the staff looks to build out guard depth for the seasons ahead.
One of the most intriguing names in that mix is Jhaliana Guy, who recently made an unofficial visit to Iowa City and gives the Hawkeyes a chance to make an impression in a chase that has some built-in appeal for the program. Iowa has been active with her recruitment, and the fact that she fits the kind of guard target the Hawkeyes need only adds to the stakes as Jensen and her staff try to turn interest into a major win. [Read more 🡒]
Brad Underwood Is Right In The Middle Of A Big Ten Debate
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Brad Underwood is part of that wider debate because Illinois has been one of the leagues standard-bearers on the offensive end, and his recruiting has kept the Illini in the mix year after year. But when the discussion turns to the coaches who have shaped the conferences hierarchy, Matt Painters staying power and roster management remain hard to ignore, which is why the rankings around these names feel less settled than ever. [Read more 🡒]