The concerning Iowa flaw that could keep Caitlin Clark from March Madness dream

No one would be surprised to see Caitlin Clark carry Iowa to the national championship game for the second straight year, but there is a particular vulnerability within Iowa that could keep college basketball’s biggest star from going out with her first national title before turning pro.

Part of what made the Hawkeyes such a force last season, when they fell to LSU in the championship game, was the play of frontcourt standout Monika Czinano, who after five collegiate seasons is now playing for TFSE-MTK Budapest in Hungary.

Czinano was a constant during Clark’s first three years in Iowa City and “her dominance in the post taught Caitlin how successful teammates created space and opportunities at other spots on the floor,” according to an ESPN report on Wednesday.

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Before the season started, Clark trusting Czinano’s replacements was something Iowa associate head coach Jan Jensen told ESPN was “gonna be the struggle for her.”

And while Hannah Stuelke had a solid season taking over for Czinano, she has been inconsistent, and backups Sharon Goodman and Addison O’Grady don’t inspire the same confidence.

The question marks up front could be a big problem for the top-seeded Hawkeyes as they enter March Madness and try to send Clark out a winner at the Final Four in Cleveland.

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A potential matchup against No. 4 Kansas State looms in the Sweet 16 in Albany, and the Wildcats handed the Hawkeyes their only non-conference loss of the year on Nov. 16 behind star center Ayoka Lee, who recorded 22 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks in a game Clark shot 9-for-32 and 2-for-16 from 3-point range.

Lee, a unanimous all-Big 12 first-team selection, averaged 20.1 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.7 blocks in 25 games this season.

Should Iowa exact revenge, a potential rematch with LSU awaits in the Elite Eight, if the reigning national champs can get by No. 2 UCLA in the Sweet 16.

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Though the taunts of Clark and LSU star Angel Reese generated the most headlines, Reese’s presence down low is what Iowa would be worried about if the two teams meet again.

Reese, not afraid to get physical under the basket, led LSU in points (19) and rebounds (13.1) per game, and was second in the nation in rebounds per game this season.

A Clark run to a national title before she takes on the WNBA would be a boon for ESPN, which broadcasts the women’s NCAA Tournament, but Iowa’s Achilles’ heel could keep Clark from getting her storybook ending.