Iowa’s new point guard Chitchat is off to an incredible start, showing elite playmaking and leadership. Here’s how she’s already redefining Iowa basketball’s future.
It’s a new season in Iowa City, and the Hawkeyes might have just found their next breakout star. While much of the offseason chatter revolved around Addy Deal and her arrival to the program, it’s Iowa’s new point guard, Chitchat, who’s stealing the spotlight right now.
And to be completely honest? She’s been nothing short of sensational.
Chitchat Is Running the Show
From the opening tip of the season, it’s been obvious—Chitchat isn’t out there just filling minutes. She’s controlling the pace, setting up teammates, and reading defenses like a seasoned veteran. Against their latest opponent, she posted her first double-double of the year: 16 points, 10 assists, 4 rebounds, while shooting a ridiculous 5-of-6 from the field with only one turnover.
That’s not a freshman-type stat line. That’s a leader’s stat line.
Sure, Iowa hasn’t exactly faced the toughest schedule yet, but dominance is dominance. It doesn’t matter who’s on the other side when your point guard is slicing up defenses, keeping the offense humming, and finding open shooters every trip down.
The Addy Deal Question
Coming into this season, everyone assumed Addy Deal would make an instant splash. And while she’s shown flashes of her potential, she’s still adapting to college basketball’s speed and physicality. That’s not unusual—Caitlin Clark’s freshman transition spoiled everyone’s expectations of what’s “normal.”
But the thing is, Iowa doesn’t need Deal to run the one right now. Because Chitchat has proven she’s more than capable. Her confidence, ball control, and decision-making have made her the natural leader of this offense.
Honestly, it might be time to slide Deal over to the two, where she can focus on what she does best—shooting the lights out.
Iowa’s New Core Is Coming Together
This team feels different. You can see it in their chemistry, the way the ball moves, and how players like Ava Heiden and Hannah Stuelke are stepping up.
Once Mako Witchko and Addy Bjorn fully integrate, Iowa could be scary good—Final Four good down the line.
Imagine a lineup of Chitchat, Deal, Witchko, Bjorn, and Heiden a couple years from now. That’s not just a solid five. That’s a championship-caliber core waiting to explode.
Big Ten Reality Check
The Big Ten is brutal. Even top-tier teams can go on five-game losing streaks and still look like contenders. But Iowa is built for that grind. They move the ball, they shoot well, and they’ve got players who can create their own looks.
When they face Baylor on November 21, that’s when we’ll really see how battle-ready this squad is. The early tests are just warmups. The conference schedule will show whether Chitchat’s leadership holds up when the lights get brighter.
What Makes Chitchat Special
It’s not just the stats. It’s her composure. Her feel for the game. The way she makes everyone else around her better.
Coaches call that “the point guard effect,” and Iowa’s got it in full force right now. Her court vision, ability to push tempo, and unselfishness are giving this offense a rhythm that few teams can match.
She’s proving every night that you don’t have to be a five-star recruit or the loudest name in the headlines to dominate. You just have to own the moment.
Final Thoughts
Let’s call it what it is — Iowa basketball is entering a new era. The Caitlin Clark years set the standard, but the next generation is already making its mark.
Chitchat might not have the national spotlight yet, but if she keeps playing like this, it’s only a matter of time before everyone in the country knows her name.
The Hawkeyes have a real one running the show — and she’s just getting started.
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