Future Hawkeye Jada Gyamfi is realistic about next year’s role

DES MOINES — Jada Gyamfi gets it.

She sees the returning roster, including all five starters. She understands that minutes will be hard to come by next year as a freshman for the University of Iowa women’s basketball team.

“I’m just willing to learn next year. I need to get some experience under me,” Gyamfi said Monday after helping lead top-ranked Johnston past No. 9 West Des Moines Dowling, 47-38, in a Class 5A quarterfinal at the girls’ state basketball tournament.

“Mentally, I’m setting the bar low for next year and hopefully I can be a surprise.”

Gyamfi is one of three incoming freshmen for the 2022-23 season, joining Cedar Rapids Washington’s Hannah Stuelke, along with Taylor McCabe of Fremont (Neb.).

A 6-foot-2 forward, Gyamfi registered 10 points and 11 rebounds. She wasn’t dominant, but she was efficient, hitting 3 of 4 shots from the floor, 4 of 6 from the free-throw line.

She didn’t need to take over the game. Anna Gossling hit for 19 points, Aaliyah Riley 11, and the Dragons (24-0) led virtually throughout.

“It was a rough start. It always is that first round,” she said. “Once I got the nerves out, I was able to do a lot better.”

“I’m so blessed to be part of this team. Practices are a blast. I trust every single girl on this team.”

A day after leading the Hawkeyes to a victory over Michigan — and a share of the Big Ten championship — Coach Lisa Bluder and assistant Jan Jensen were on hand for Monday’s 5A slate.

“It’s comforting to see them here,” Gyamfi said. “It makes me feel like they are paying attention to me. When I saw Jan, I had the biggest smile on my face.”

In Gyamfi, Bluder said she sees “someone with great potential. She has good size. She comes from a good high school program and a good AAU program.

“I don’t know how much she’ll contribute next year. I don’t think that most freshmen should expect to contribute right away.”

Gyamfi is playing in her third straight state tournament. As a sophomore, she helped lead Urbandale here. Then, after transferring to Johnston, she and the Dragons reached the 5A final before falling to Waukee.

This year, they are the undisputed favorites.

“I don’t feel any pressure,” she said. “I have complete confidence that we can win. Complete confidence in the whole team.”

The Dragons face No. 4 Pleasant Valley (22-2) in a semifinal at 10 a.m. Thursday. The winner advances to the title game at 6 p.m. Friday.

With the early-morning tip Monday, Gyamfi wasn’t able to be part of the sellout crowd Sunday.

“I’ve watched the highlights at least three times,” she said.

“I love watching them play. They’re so exciting. Caitlin (Clark), Monika (Czinano) ... I’m so lucky I get to be a part of that.”

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com