Alabama basketball forward Jarin Stevenson was NBA bound after a historic Final Four run with the Crimson Tide in the spring. However, the sophomore has decided to forgo his plans of declaring for the NBA draft and return to Tuscaloosa for another season, driven by the chance to win the program's first national championship.

Staying Put to Reach New Heights

Prioritizing Team Success Over Individual Aspirations

Stevenson, a native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, had a promising future in the NBA after a standout sophomore campaign. However, the talented forward saw something special brewing in Tuscaloosa and decided to put his professional dreams on hold. "I saw that we had a good team here at Alabama," Stevenson explained during the first media availability of the 2024-25 season. "And, of course, the chance at the program's first national championship."Stevenson's decision to stay was not an easy one, but he believes it will ultimately pay dividends for both his individual development and the team's championship aspirations. "It's always been a goal for me," he said, referring to the Crimson Tide's quest for a national title. Stevenson's teammate and SEC Preseason Player of the Year, Mark Sears, shared a similar sentiment, opting to forgo the NBA draft alongside Stevenson in May.

Honing His Craft Under Oats' Tutelage

Stevenson, who comes from a basketball pedigree with his parents both having played the sport professionally, believes he can still "get a lot better" at Alabama. He praised head coach Nate Oats and assistant Ryan Pannone, crediting them for his continued growth and development."I feel like just going through another year here, I can learn a lot and become stronger and different things like that," Stevenson said. As a freshman, he showcased his potential, averaging 5.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game, while also recording six double-doubles and five starts during conference play.Stevenson's breakout moment came in Alabama's Elite Eight win over Clemson, where he scored a season-high 19 points, highlighted by a season-best five 3-pointers. Now, with a full season of experience under his belt and the opportunity to take on a larger role, the 6-foot-11, 215-pounder is poised to take his game to new heights.

Preseason Glimpse of Stevenson's Expanded Role

Stevenson has already seen increased playing time in the preseason, demonstrating his versatility and growth. In Alabama's exhibition game against Memphis, he recorded 11 points, three rebounds, and two blocks. In the team's first preseason exhibition against Wake Forest, Stevenson made the starting rotation and posted 10 points, six rebounds, and a block in 25 minutes.These early performances suggest that Stevenson's decision to stay at Alabama will pay dividends, as he is expected to handle a more significant load this season. His five-star rating out of high school at Seaforth and accolades like the 2023 Gatorade Player of the Year for the Tar Heel State indicate that he has the potential to continue his upward trajectory and lead the Crimson Tide to new heights.

The Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team kicked off their season with a resounding 110-55 exhibition victory over Missouri Western State on Wednesday. Despite a new head coach and a roster filled with fresh faces, the Hawkeyes showcased a level of talent and potential that has fans eagerly anticipating the season ahead.

Unlocking the Potential of Iowa's Rising Stars

Teagan Mallegni: A Versatile Freshman Poised for Stardom

The true freshman from Wisconsin, Teagan Mallegni, wasted no time in making her mark on the court. Ranked 64th in her recruiting class by ESPN, Mallegni proved that she was undervalued on the national stage. Her performance was reminiscent of former Iowa wing McKenna Warnock, as she showcased her versatility on both ends of the floor. Mallegni's 6-foot-1 frame allowed her to guard any position from one through four, and she made sound decisions with the basketball. Her confidence was on full display when she crossed over a defender and knocked down a step-back three-pointer from the top of the key. Finishing the night with 18 points, three assists, three rebounds, two steals, and one block, Mallegni's early returns suggest she could be a crucial foundational piece for the Hawkeyes in the Jan Jensen era.

Lucy Olsen: Crafting a Unique Identity Alongside Caitlin Clark

While there's no perfect replacement for the dynamic Caitlin Clark, Lucy Olsen is poised to be a critical part of the Hawkeye team this season. Olsen's creativity and decision-making immediately stand out, as she demonstrated the ability to get to her spots and make great plays. She hit a pair of mid-range jumpers and got to the hoop on numerous occasions, showcasing her all-around game. Olsen also displayed her passing prowess, dishing out six assists to go along with six rebounds. One area of focus for Olsen this offseason has been her three-point shooting, and while she only went 1-of-5 from distance, expect her to be more aggressive taking threes off screens. Olsen may not be the next Caitlin Clark, but her craftsmanship and skill set should complement the likes of Hannah Stuelke, Sydney Affolter, and the style of play that Jensen wants to implement.

Kylie Feuerbach: Rediscovering Confidence and Unlocking Potential

One of the key questions heading into the season was the role that senior Kylie Feuerbach would play. On Wednesday night, she was thrust into the starting lineup and delivered an impressive performance. Feuerbach was active on defense, showcasing her skills as one of the best perimeter players on the team. Equally important, she played with a renewed sense of confidence, appearing more free and unlocking her full potential. Finishing the game with 14 points and seven rebounds, Feuerbach's resurgence is a positive sign for the Hawkeyes. While the talented freshman class may challenge her playing time, it could also bring out the best in Feuerbach, as Jensen noted, "That's what Kylie can be capable of. She's one of our best defenders, if not the best. And then she puts a consistent three-ball with it."

Ava Heiden: A Tantalizing Glimpse of the Future

Despite not starting due to illness, the 6-foot-4 post player from Oregon, Ava Heiden, made the most of her 13 minutes on the court. Heiden's skill set and potential were on full display, as she showcased her ability to run the floor, hit the mid-range shot, and impact the game in various ways. Iowa assistant coach Raina Harmon drew comparisons between Heiden's floor-running abilities and those of former Hawkeye great Megan Gustafson, a testament to Heiden's impressive athleticism and basketball IQ. Heiden's game complements the style of play that Stuelke will bring to the table, and with Jensen's renowned post development skills, the future looks bright for the young center. It wouldn't be surprising to see Heiden earn a starting role as early as next Wednesday, as the Hawkeyes look to capitalize on her immense potential.