Iowa Hawkeyes Target UCLA’s Elina Aarnisalo

Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University NewsEducation

The Iowa Hawkeyes basketball team training as they prepare for the upcoming season.

News Summary

The Iowa Hawkeyes are actively pursuing Elina Aarnisalo, a promising guard who recently entered the transfer portal from UCLA. Aarnisalo averaged impressive stats during her freshman season, showing great potential to enhance the Hawkeyes’ roster. With the team seeking talent after the graduation of key players, Aarnisalo’s addition could significantly improve their performance as they prepare for the next season.

Exciting Times in Iowa as Hawkeyes Pursue UCLA’s Elina Aarnisalo

The city of Iowa is buzzing with basketball excitement as the Iowa Hawkeyes actively search for players to boost their 2025 roster. Among their top targets is none other than Elina Aarnisalo, a promising guard who recently entered the transfer portal after her freshman season with the UCLA Bruins. This move has caught the attention of many Hawkeyes fans, and it’s no surprise why!

Elina Aarnisalo: The Rising Star

Standing at just five-foot-ten, this Finnish dynamo has made quite a name for herself on the court. During her freshman season, Aarnisalo averaged 5.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while playing nearly 21 minutes on average. But wait, there’s more! In the ten games where she earned a starting spot, Aarnisalo stepped it up, notching an impressive 8.6 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game!

Aarnisalo’s shooting stats are particularly eye-catching, having shot 54.7% from the field and around 42.8% from beyond the arc last season. These numbers suggest that she’s more than just a solid player; she could be a game-changer for the Hawkeyes!

A Run to the Final Four

Before entering the transfer portal, Aarnisalo was part of a strong UCLA squad that finished the season with an incredible 34-3 record and made it all the way to the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament. Clearly, she has been part of a winning environment, which is something the Hawkeyes could greatly benefit from as they look to fill the void left by departing players.

Hawkeyes in Transition

This past season was bittersweet for the Iowa women’s basketball team, as they lost four key players to graduation. Among them was star guard Lucy Olsen, who led the team with an impressive 17.9 points per game and also excelled in assists. Olsen was honored multiple times, including being named to the First Team All-Big Ten, so replacing her won’t be an easy feat.

Another notable loss is Aaliyah Guyton, who has entered the transfer portal herself. With these changes, it’s clear that the Hawkeyes are on the lookout for experienced players to enhance their roster and maintain a competitive edge.

The Quest for New Talent

Aarnisalo’s visit to the Iowa campus is generating a lot of buzz. She is known for her versatility, making her a strong candidate either to start or come off the bench. The Iowa coaching staff is keenly aware that adding Aarnisalo could significantly improve their shooting and ball-handling options, which is crucial as they look to complement their incoming freshman class.

After her Iowa visit, Aarnisalo also has a trip planned to the University of North Carolina. With the Hawkeyes in need of more shooting talent, especially with the graduation of players like Sydney Affolter and Olsen, Aarnisalo’s potential addition would provide essential depth in the backcourt alongside the freshman sensation, Addie Deal.

A Bright Future Ahead for Iowa Women’s Basketball

The Iowa women’s basketball program is dedicated to improving their roster as they gear up for the post-2024-2025 season. With talented players like Aarnisalo even considering joining the team, there’s reason to be optimistic about what the future holds. It’s an exciting moment for both the team and its dedicated fans, and the possibility of seeing Aarnisalo don an Iowa jersey has everyone looking forward to the next basketball season!