Report: Whitney Jennings will play at Butler

IOWA CITY — Whitney Jennings told her hometown newspaper that she will continue her basketball career at Butler University.

'Obviously, Butler is a great school with a rich basketball tradition,' Jennings told the Logansport (Ind.) Pharos-Tribune. 'I'm just excited to be able to go back to Indiana and play in front of a lot more of my family and friends.'

Jennings, who started 62 of 67 games in two seasons at Iowa, told the Hawkeyes' staff of her desire to transfer shortly after Iowa concluded a 19-14 season. Iowa's string of NCAA appearances ended at eight this year, and the Hawkeyes lost in the first round of the WNIT.

Butler is located in Indianapolis, a 70-mile drive from Logansport.

Jennings, who averaged 9.6 points and 3 assists per game last season, is one of two Hawkeyes who elected to leave the program after the season. Freshman Tagyn Larson will transfer to South Dakota State.

Both declined interview requests from Iowa media after their decision last month.

Jennings told the Logansport newspaper: 'I had two years of playing basketball in the Big Ten. It was a great experience for me. I learned a lot and made a lot of friendships with my teammates that will last forever. I'm grateful that I met a lot of great people. The Iowa fans welcomed me with open arms. I'm a little sad I'm leaving but I'm excited for the next chapter.'

The Gazette learned that Jennings also considered Ball State, IUPUI and Toledo for her next college destination.

A 5-foot-5 point guard, Jennings will have two seasons of eligibility remaining. She will sit out the 2016-17 season, per NCAA rules.

Butler was 10-21 last season.

l Comments: (319) 368-8857; jeff.linder@thegazette.com