Freshman Rogers faces ‘steep learning curve’

For now, Jade Rogers' role is to rebound. And to learn.

The lone freshman on the University of Iowa women's basketball team, Rogers faces “a learning curve” that is “pretty steep right off the bat,” according to Coach Lisa Bluder.

Rogers was an all-stater at Cedar Rapids Kennedy, twice leading the Cougars to the state semifinals. She started making the 25-mile trip to Carver-Hawkeye Arena regularly when she was a fourth-grader, playing for the Cedar Rapids Panthers.

“This is what I've always wanted,” said Rogers, a forward. “I've got a lot to learn, but I'm keeping my head up and staying positive.”

Rogers played mostly in the post in high school. She averaged a double-double in each of her four years at Kennedy, including 18.3 points and 11.4 rebounds per game as a senior.

Now, she'll face the basket most of the time.

The other newcomer, junior-college transfer Kalli Hansen, could make an impact right away.

“Kalli will see immediate playing time,” Bluder said. “She's strong, she's fast, she's versatile, and she's somebody that we're very excited about that can add a new dimension to our team this year.”

Hansen won two NJCAA national championships at Kirkwood Community College.

A native of Olin (population 700), Hansen was tickled to be in a gold Iowa uniform at media day Monday  - “It's amazing every time I put it on,” she said - but not intimidated by her surroundings.

“I just want to be a solid role player here,” she said. “I'll do whatever they ask.”

Wade, Wooden watching Alexander

Kachine Alexander has been named to the 25-player Wade Award watch list and the 30-player Wooden Award watch list. Those are the two most prestigous individual awards in women's basketball.

“I don't really pay attention to it,” Alexander said. “It's there and I'm happy that people are considering me, but at the same time it just like, ‘Oh, ok. Thanks, but it's preseason.' ”

A 5-foot-9 guard, Alexander had 15 double-doubles as a junior, averaging 16.0 points and 10.4 rebounds per game.

She underwent surgery in the offseason to put a rod in her lower right leg. She missed seven games last season with a stress fracture, and posted big numbers despite constant pain.

Minnesota post commits

Bethany Doolittle, a 6-foot-4 senior center from Minneapolis, gave the Hawkeyes a verbal commitment over the weekend.

She chose Iowa over Wisconsin.

Iowa has five commitments for next season; the class is highlighted by hoopgurlz.com top-100 picks Samantha Logic (Racine, Wis.) and Virginia Johnson (Iowa City High).