Iowa Hawkeyes News Roundup: Clark strikes new Nike deal, Transfer Portal boosts Hawkeye basketball teams

Much was made about Caitlin Clark's rather modest rookie contract after being selected first overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft. But just as those who have followed her career closely predicted, she's going to be just fine financially.

Clark signed a monstrous deal with Nike that is reportedly worth "well over $20 million plus potential bonuses," according to The Athletic. The endorsement deal, which is separate from her collegiate NIL deal with Nike, will include a signature shoe.

Reportedly, Steph Curry tried to lure Clark to Under Armour while she negotiated a new deal with Nike.

Hardwood Transfer Portal Additions

Both the men's and women's Iowa Hawkeye basketball teams got a bit stronger in the backcourt this week via Transfer Portal additions.

On the men's side, head coach Fran McCaffery landed Morehead State guard Drew Thelwell on Wednesday. Over the past two seasons, Thelwell has started 68 games and averaged 10.0 points, 6.2 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game

Assuming the return of Payton Sandfort, Thelwell should step in and help form a consistent trio alongside Sandfort and Josh Dix in place of Tony Perkins. Perkins announced his transfer to Missouri on Monday.

On the women's side, head coach Lisa Bluder landed a superstar in Villanova point guard Lucy Olsen on Wednesday.

Olsen was only bested by Clark and USC freshman phenom JuJu Watkins in national scoring, and with the Hawkeyes replacing four starters, she'll need to carry a heavy load on the scoreboard. Olsen averaged 23.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.9 steals per game in 2023.

Hawkeyes Prepare for Spring Game

The Iowa Hawkeyes will host their annual spring game this Saturday at 10:45 a.m inside Kinnick Stadium. Admission is free.

This will be Hawkeye fans' first taste of a new offense led by Tim Lester, though quarterback Cade McNamara won't be fully cleared to operate that offense until June.

Despite the Hawkeyes earning a trip to the Big Ten Championship, Iowa was shutout in three of their four losses while fielding the worst statistical offense in the country. Still, the offense returns tight end Luke Lachey to the lineup and nine starters overall.

Though the offense will look different, all indications are that the scheme will largely stay the same with Lester's flavoring.

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