Iowa women’s basketball ‘vetting’ couple transfer portal players, Jan Jensen says

WEST DES MOINES — Iowa women’s basketball’s portal activity might not be over yet after picking up a major transfer portal commitment last week with former Georgia Tech guard Chazadi “Chit-Chat” Wright.

“I feel we got the piece we absolutely had to have,” Iowa Coach Jan Jensen said ahead of a Polk County I-Club event on Wednesday. “Now there is a couple kids that I’m vetting.”

Iowa’s portal activity has “always been about that fit,” Jensen said.

“Even if a kid might be 6-foot-5 and can hit the rim and all the things — they’ve got to kind of fit what we do,” Jensen said. “And then when I talk to them or they take a visit, how that gels. Because I think kind of what makes Iowa a little different — or I’d like to think enjoyable to watch — is that culture piece and how we play together.”

Wright has been the Hawkeyes’ only transfer portal addition so far following the 2024-25. The 5-foot-4 guard played in 33 games and started in 12 games as a freshman in 2024-25, averaging 7.2 points per game. She has three years of eligibility remaining.

“Just a fun player,” Jensen said. “She’s got a fun bounce. What she lacks in height, she has in speed. She’s explosive. She has pretty good range. It’s maybe not as consistently logo range, but she can get back there. But a really fun passer up the floor. … I think fans are really, really going to like her.”

Iowa has 13 players on the 2025-26 roster, including the three incoming freshmen, which leaves the Hawkeyes with two open roster spots.

“I’ve always said the portal is like speed dating, and then you’re asked to sign a prenup,” Jensen said. “And you’re not quite sure of the prenup, but then you’re going to sign it and move in together real fast.”

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