The Naismith Watch List is like the VIP guest list for college basketball's hottest stars! Each season, it shines a spotlight on the crème de la crème of players vying for the Naismith Trophy—the ultimate bragging rights for being the best in the game. Released at the start of the season, this list gets updated as the drama unfolds on the court, with players strutting their stuff and making headlines.

Where Does This Award Come From?

Named after Dr. James Naismith, the guy who invented basketball (and probably shot some hoops before breakfast), the Watch List is all about celebrating the talent that makes us laugh, cheer, and occasionally shout at the TV.

Getty Images/Canva/TSM
Getty Images/Canva/TSM
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Is the Team Still A Contender After Clark's Exit?

The Hawkeyes are keeping the momentum rolling, even after Caitlin Clark’s departure! It’s all in the capable hands of Hannah Stuelke and Lucy Olsen, who are lighting up the court. Being named to the Naismith Trophy Watch List? Huge news! It means they’re in the running to be crowned the best player in college basketball this season.

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Stuelke has been nothing short of impressive, snagging accolades like Second Team All-Big Ten and showing off her scoring skills.

Getty Images/Canva/TSM
Getty Images/Canva/TSM
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And let’s not forget Olsen—she's a transfer from Villanova who had an amazing scoring season last year, making her a player to watch on the national stage.

With the season opener against Missouri Western just around the corner, the excitement is palpable! We’re all in for some thrilling basketball action. Bring on the games! Go Hawks!

Photos of The Iowa Hawkeyes Vs. Troy Trojans September 14, 2024

The Iowa Hawkeyes defeated the Troy Trojans, 38 to 21, on September 14, 2024. I took these pictures with my first press pass, thanks to U of I. After reviewing over 3,000 pictures I think these are decent enough to share. I hope you enjoy them.

Gallery Credit: Sloppy Joe

Iowans Name Their Favorite Small Town Restaurants

I asked Iowans on Facebook what their favorite small town Eastern Iowa restaurant is, and there were some great suggestions! According to Google, a town is considered "small" when it has 5,000 people or less. Our list includes restaurants in towns that have a population of 7,000 or less, and some of them have MUCH less! Here are 20 recommendations from folks in Eastern Iowa:

Gallery Credit: Courtlin

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