3 reasons why Hannah Stuelke could be a breakout star for Iowa after Caitlin Clark's departure 

Caitlin Clark redefined women's basketball, but Hannah Stuelke could be next. Clark brought bigger crowds, brighter lights and more money, while her ripple effect on women's hoops has continued into the WNBA. But the nagging question is who can replace her at the college level? There's probably no single player, but Iowa Hawkeye's Hannah Stuelke could be part of the answer.

Here's why Stuelke could shine next season.

3 reasons why Hannah Stuelke could be a breakout star for Iowa

New Iowa coach Jan Jensen will benefit from Stuelke's presence on the Hawkeyes in 2024-25. (Image Credit: IMAGN)

#1. The 47-point game

Stuelke is a 6-foot-2 forward at her most comfortable around the basket. She's been a solid contributing player at Iowa, scoring 6.5 points per game off the bench as a freshman. As a sophomore, she played a bigger role last season, scoring 14.0 ppg.

But in one particular game in February, Stuelke went off. In just 31 minutes of play against Penn State, Stuelke put up 47 points, the third most in a game in Iowa history. As amazing as Stuelke was, she was also efficient, connecting on 17 of 20 shots with 13 free throws and nine rebounds.

While Caitlin Clark shot eight for 23 and committed a dozen turnovers (admittedly, while tallying 27 points and 15 assists), Stuelke had just one turnover. That kind of productivity is astonishing.

#2. She's efficient

Stuelke ended up second on the Hawkeyes in scoring behind Clark and second in rebounding behind WNBA standout Kate Martin. She did her playing with a minimum of fuss or fallout. Stuelke connected on 62.7% of her shots last season. She even made 4-for-8 of her 3-point attempts.

Stuelke only had 59 turnovers on the season, less than a third of Clark's total. The only thing better than a big-time player is a big-time player who needs as little fuss as possible.

#3. She's always been a big-game player

Stuelke has also shown a knack for showing up big in big-time moments. In last year's Final Four battle with UConn, Stuelke chipped in 23 points on 9-for-12 shooting. Stuelke upped her season production to 15.3 ppg in Big Ten play and hit 63.6% of her shots.

In the NCAA Tournament, aside from a 23-point game against UConn, Stuelke had double-doubles in the Round of 32 and Sweet 16. She had 11 points in the national title loss to South Carolina, but she has already established herself as a big-game player, and she's on pace for a ton more big games in her young career.

While Caitlin Clark left some massive shoes to fill, do you think Hannah Stuelke can help replace the irreplaceable? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.