Before Caitlin Clark emerged as a dominant force in the WNBA with the Indiana Fever, she had already solidified her legacy as one of the greatest players in college basketball history. Over four seasons with the Iowa Hawkeyes, Clark earned All-American honors each year, led her team to back-to-back national championship appearances, and shattered Pete Maravich’s long-standing NCAA scoring record. Her unparalleled achievements made her a household name in the sport and cemented her place among the all-time greats.
Throughout Clark’s collegiate career, Lisa Bluder stood by her side as Iowa’s head coach, guiding the team with exceptional leadership. Bluder, a three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year, dedicated 24 seasons to the Hawkeyes, leaving an indelible mark on the program. Despite winning the prestigious Naismith College Coach of the Year award in 2019, she did not reach the Final Four until Clark’s arrival transformed Iowa into a national powerhouse. Her coaching expertise and strategic vision played a crucial role in Iowa’s rise to prominence.
Now, with March Madness fast approaching, Bluder is embarking on a new chapter in her career. According to Fever beat writer Scott Agness, she will be joining the Big Ten Network as an analyst for the upcoming Big Ten Tournament. Working alongside seasoned commentators Ashley Adamson and Shimmy Miller, Bluder will bring her deep basketball knowledge and coaching insights to the broadcast team. Her presence as an analyst is expected to enrich the network’s coverage of the highly anticipated tournament.
The Big Ten Tournament will feature extensive coverage from the Big Ten Network, airing 10 games from the second round through the semifinals. The event will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a venue deeply connected to both Clark and Bluder, as it serves as the home of the Indiana Fever. Bluder’s transition from coaching to broadcasting marks a significant career shift, allowing her to continue shaping the sport from a different perspective.
Meanwhile, the Iowa Hawkeyes enter the tournament as the No. 11 seed following a solid regular season performance, finishing with a 20-9 overall record and 10-8 in conference play. They are set to open the tournament with a first-round showdown against the No. 14 seed Wisconsin Badgers. If victorious, the Hawkeyes will advance to face the No. 6 seed Michigan State Spartans in the second round, keeping their hopes alive for a deep tournament run.
