It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Beacon, IA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“Always Best Care in Cedar Valley IA realy helps me a lot. They have Reliable Caregivers who helped me to take care of my loved one for several years. They are highly trained and managed well the daily routines and activities like bathing and dressing. Caregivers of always best care is dependable and passionate to their work. I am satisfied and so glad that I chose their service. Highly recommend whoever needs their caregiving service!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Beacon, IA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Beacon, IA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Beacon, IA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
WHO: #8 Michigan State Spartans (24-5, 15-3 Big Ten)WHEN: 7:00 PM CT (Thursday, March 6, 2025)WHERE: Carver-Hawkeye Arena (Iowa City, IA)TV: FS1 (Kevin Kugler, Robbie Hummel)RADIO: Hawkeye Radio Network (Gary Dolphin, Bobby Hansen)MOBILE: foxsports.com/mobileONLINE: foxsports.com/liveFOLLO...
WHO: #8 Michigan State Spartans (24-5, 15-3 Big Ten)
WHEN: 7:00 PM CT (Thursday, March 6, 2025)
WHERE: Carver-Hawkeye Arena (Iowa City, IA)
TV: FS1 (Kevin Kugler, Robbie Hummel)
RADIO: Hawkeye Radio Network (Gary Dolphin, Bobby Hansen)
MOBILE: foxsports.com/mobile
ONLINE: foxsports.com/live
FOLLOW: @HawkeyeBeacon | @IowaHoops | @IowaonBTN
LINE: Michigan State -6.5 (total of 154.5)
KENPOM: Michigan State -7 (75% chance of winning)
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The 2024-25 season is drawing to a close and for Iowa the end could be coming up very soon. Without a win in one of their final two games, the Hawkeyes' season will wrap up in Sunday's regular season finale at Nebraska, as Iowa is currently 16th in the Big Ten standings -- and only the top-15 teams in the league standings qualify for the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis next week.
So the Hawkeyes badly need a win if their season is going to extend beyond Sunday -- which is not an ideal time to be playing a red-hot Michigan State team. The 8th ranked Spartans all alone atop the Big Ten standings (two games up on Michigan in the loss column) and on a five-game winning streak -- a streak that's come entirely against teams ranked in the KenPom Top 30, no less. This is a very good Spartan squad playing some of its best basketball at the most important time of the year.
G Brock Harding (6'0", 165 lbs; 8.8 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 5.4 apg, 44.0 FG%, 37.5 3FG%)
G Josh Dix (6'6", 210 lbs; 14.0 ppg; 3.1 rpg; 2.7 apg; 50.5 FG%; 42.0 3FG%)
F Payton Sandfort (6'8", 215 lbs; 16.1 ppg; 6.2 rpg; 3.0 apg; 39.7 FG%; 33.3 3FG%)
F Seydou Traore (6'7", 220 lbs; 6.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.3 apg, 43.0 FG%, 24.1 3FG%)
F Ladji Dembele (6'8", 255 lbs; 4.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 0.6 apg; 45.0 FG%, 40.6 3FG%)
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G Jaden Akins (6'4", 195 lbs; 12.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.5 apg, 40.3 FG%, 29.4 3FG%)
G Jase Richardson (6'3", 185 lbs; 11.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 52.0 FG%, 39.2 3FG%)
G Jeremy Fears (6'2", 190 lbs; 6.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 5.6 apg, 39.3 FG%, 39.3 3FG%)
F Jaxon Kohler (6'9", 245 lbs; 7.9 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 1.4 apg, 49.4 FG%, 30.2 3FG%)
C Szymon Zapala (7'0", 245 lbs; 4.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 0.7 apg, 65.5 FG%, 0.0 3FG%)
Michigan State's strong play this season has featured good play on both sides of the ball, but the Spartans have really excelled on the defense, where they rank 5th in defensive efficiency. They lead the Big Ten in defensive efficiency -- by a wide margin -- and they've achieved that high mark by dominating at a few areas: contesting (and blocking) shots, preventing offensive rebounds, and harassing three-point attempts.
Opponents are posting an effective FG% of 45.2% against MSU, lowest in the Big Ten. The Spartans have been good at defending 2-point attempts (49.1%, 4th in the league), but they've been outstanding at defending the 3-point line, where opponents are making just 26.6% of their attempts this year in conference games. That's an alarming stat for an Iowa team that tends to live or die this season on its ability to hit 3-pointers.
MSU has also been excellent at blocking shots --13.7% of opponent possessions, tops in the league -- and denying offensive rebounds -- 25.2% of opponent possessions, also best in the league. The Spartans do foul a fair amount (12th in the league in free throw rate) and they don't force a lot of turnovers, but aside from that the MSU defense has been playing at a very high level this season.
On offense, Michigan State has been solid as well -- 31st nationally in offensive efficiency and 4th in league games in offensive efficiency. MSU has done that by being elite on the offensive glass (grabbing 36.2% of their misses, best in the Big Ten), getting to the free throw line a lot (3rd in the Big Ten in free throw rate), and making a lot of those free throws (78.8%, 2nd best in the Big Ten).
Impressively, Michigan State ranks so highly in offensive efficiency despite turning the ball over a fair amount (13th in turnover rate) and not being an especially good shooting squad. MSU ranks 12th in effective FG% (50.9%) in the Big Ten, which includes 51.9% shooting on 2-point attempts (10th in the league) and a sluggish 32.4% on 3-point tries (15th in the Big Ten).
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The strength of this Spartan squad is not individual stars but overwhelming depth. 10 players have played at least 28 games this year and averaged at least 14 minutes per game; this Spartan team comes at you in waves. Just two players are averaging double figures in scoring -- guards Jaden Akins (team-high 12.9 ppg) and Jase Richardson (11.0 ppg) -- but eight other players are averaging at least 5.0 ppg this year.
In addition to Akins and Richardson, guards Tre Holloman and Jeremy Fears, Jr. have also been key contributors for MSU. Hollomon averages 8.6 ppg (third-most), while Fears, Jr. adds 6.8 ppg. He and Richardson have also been MSU's two most potent 3-point shooters, converting over 39% of their attempts from deep this year.
At forward, Jaxon Kohler, Coen Carr, and Frankie Fidler have provided a potent trio of options. Kohler leads the team with 7.9 rpg, while adding 7.9 ppg on 49.4% shooting. Carr has added 7.8 ppg on 62.8% shooting, while Fidler has chipped in 7.5 ppg and 3.5 rpg as well.
Finally, MSU also has a trio of capable bigs to use down low as well. Szymon Zapala gets the start there and has averaged 4.9 ppg and 4.3 rpg on 65.5% shooting in 15.3 mpg this season. Xavier Booker has been the highest-scoring option (5.5 ppg), while Carson Cooper has added 5.1 ppg and 4.8 rpg on 61.9% shooting.
WHO: Washington Huskies (13-13, 4-11 Big Ten)WHEN: 3:00 PM CT (Saturday, February 22, 2025)WHERE: Carver-Hawkeye Arena (Iowa City, IA)TV: FS1 (Connor Onion, Nick Bahe)RADIO: Hawkeye Radio Network (Gary Dolphin, Bobby Hansen)MOBILE: foxsports.com/mobileONLINE: foxsports.com/liveFOLLOW: ...
WHO: Washington Huskies (13-13, 4-11 Big Ten)
WHEN: 3:00 PM CT (Saturday, February 22, 2025)
WHERE: Carver-Hawkeye Arena (Iowa City, IA)
TV: FS1 (Connor Onion, Nick Bahe)
RADIO: Hawkeye Radio Network (Gary Dolphin, Bobby Hansen)
MOBILE: foxsports.com/mobile
ONLINE: foxsports.com/live
FOLLOW: @HawkeyeBeacon | @IowaHoops | @IowaonBTN
LINE: Iowa -6.5 (total of 158.5)
KENPOM: Iowa -7 (74% chance of winning)
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Iowa's fourth and final game against a Big Ten newcomer comes on Saturday afternoon, as they host the Washington Huskies at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. So far, those games against the Big Ten's new West Coast contingent haven't gone well; the Hawkeyes dropped to 0-3 in those games after an 80-78 loss to Oregon on Wednesday night.
One reason for encouragement? As much as Iowa has struggled this season, the Huskies have struggled even more. They rank 92nd in KenPom (versus 67th for Iowa) and are 13-13 overall and 4-11 in Big Ten action. KenPom gives Iowa a 74% chance of winning on Saturday, by far the Hawkeyes' best remaining odds for a victory.
Still, this might have been a game Iowa would have rather played a month ago. Washington began the season 1-8 in Big Ten play, but the Huskies have gone 3-3 since then, alternating wins and losses in their last six games. Two of those three wins even came on the road, with a 71-68 win at Minnesota and a 75-73 win at Penn State last week. The Huskies enter this game off an 89-85 overtime home loss to Rutgers in mid-week.
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G Drew Thelwell (6'3", 195 lbs; 10.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 3.0 apg, 51.9 FG%, 41.5 3FG%)
G Josh Dix (6'6", 210 lbs; 14.2 ppg; 3.0 rpg; 2.8 apg; 52.1 FG%; 42.7 3FG%)
F Payton Sandfort (6'8", 215 lbs; 16.3 ppg; 5.9 rpg; 3.0 apg; 41.0 FG%; 34.8 3FG%)
F Seydou Traore (6'7", 220 lbs; 6.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.4 apg, 44.1 FG%, 25.0 3FG%)
F Ladji Dembele (6'8", 255 lbs; 4.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 0.5 apg; 46.2 FG%, 39.3 3FG%)
This was the starting five for Iowa against Oregon, but Riley Mulvey has also started games in recent weeks and it wouldn't be a shock for Even Brauns to get a start after his best game in an Iowa uniform against the Ducks.
G Vanzoumana Diallo (6'4", 180 lbs; 11.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.8 apg; 48.3 FG%, 17.4 3FG%)
G Mekhi Mason (6'5", 195 lbs; 9.2 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.2 apg; 43.4 FG%, 40.6 3FG%)
F Tyler Harris (6'8", 190 lbs; 12.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 0.3 apg; 50.6 FG%; 50.0 3FG%)
F Great Osobor (6'8", 250 lbs; 15.0 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 3.4 apg, 47.4 FG%, 27.0 3FG%)
C Franck Kepnang (6'11", 253 lbs; 5.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 51.2 FG%, 0.0 3FG%)
Befitting a team that sits near the bottom of the Big Ten standings, the Huskies haven't excelled in any statistical category this season. Washington ranks 120th nationally in offensive efficiency and last in that category in league games as well. The Huskies are 87th in defensive efficiency and 16th in that stat in league games.
The Huskies rank 15th in the league in effective FG%, at 50%, which includes a 49.4% rate on 2-point attempts (16th) and a 34.0% rate on 3-point tries (10th). The Huskies also haven't been good at getting offensive boards (just 26.8% of available offensive rebounds, 14th in the league) and even worse at avoiding turnovers (giveaways on 18.9% of possessions, 17th).
Washington is 16th in the league in effective FG% allowed, with opponents converting at a 55.9% clip, including 55.5% on 2-point shots (14th) and 37.8% on 3-point attempts (15th). The Huskies also don't block a lot of shots (8.0%, 14th) and struggle to force turnovers (16.0% of opponent possessions, 11th). The Huskies have been elite at one thing on defense, though -- denying offensive rebounds. Opponents are getting just 26.5% of their missed shots against the Huskies, the lowest rate in the league.
Utah State transfer forward Great Osobor has been the main man for the Huskies this season, leading the team in scoring (15.0 ppg) and rebounding (8.6 rpg). Osobor isn't much of a 3-point shooter (28.6% on 35 attempts), but he's made 50.4% of his 2-point tries and he gets to the free throw line a lot (156 trips, almost twice as many as any other Huskie), though he hasn't been automatic at the stripe (61.5%).
As Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery noted, though, the Huskies are more than just Osobor. "[Osobor]'s terrific. He's got a complete skill set. But they've got a lot of other pieces," he said. "They've got speed, they've got a bunch of different guys that can score. They've got size. I think [Washington head coach] Danny [Sprinkle]'s done a really good job in a short amount of time."
Tyler Harris, a Portland transfer, is second on the team at 12.4 ppg and he's one of the Huskies' most dangerous outside shooters, with a 50% conversion rate this season on 82 attempts. Leave him open on the perimeter at your peril. Mekhi Mason, a Rice transfer averaging 9.2 ppg is Washington's other top three-point shooting threat, draining 40.6% of his 96 attempts.
Vanzoumana ("Zoom") Diallo is the final Washington player averaging double figures in scoring at 11.3 ppg, though he's more likely to get his points inside the arc (51.4% on 2-point shots) or at the free throw line (73.2% on 82 attempts) than from deep (17.4% on 23 3-point attempts).
The Huskies also have a fair amount of size to leverage against opponents. Osobor and Harris are both 6'8" and the Huskies have used both Franck Kepnang 6'11", 253) and WIlhelm Breidenbach (6'10", 232) in the post. Kepnang started the game against Rutgers in mid-week and had 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 blocks in Washington's win over Penn State a week ago. Breidenbach, who began his career at Nebraska, has started most of the season, though with minimal production (4.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg). Still, the vulnerability of this Iowa team against other bigs is well-established at this point.
WHO: Oregon Ducks (18-8, 7-8 Big Ten)WHEN: 7:30 PM CT (Wednesday, February 19, 2025)WHERE: Carver-Hawkeye Arena (Iowa City, IA)TV: BTN (Kevin Kugler, Robbie Hummel, Andy Katz)RADIO: Hawkeye Radio Network (Gary Dolphin, Bobby Hansen)MOBILE: foxsports.com/mobileONLINE: foxsports.com/liveFOLL...
WHO: Oregon Ducks (18-8, 7-8 Big Ten)
WHEN: 7:30 PM CT (Wednesday, February 19, 2025)
WHERE: Carver-Hawkeye Arena (Iowa City, IA)
TV: BTN (Kevin Kugler, Robbie Hummel, Andy Katz)
RADIO: Hawkeye Radio Network (Gary Dolphin, Bobby Hansen)
MOBILE: foxsports.com/mobile
ONLINE: foxsports.com/live
FOLLOW: @HawkeyeBeacon | @IowaHoops | @IowaonBTN
LINE: Oregon -1.5 (total of 160.5)
KENPOM: Oregon -1 (51% chance of winning)
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Iowa returns home from last week's East Coast road trip for a homestand against the Pacific Northwest corner of the Big Ten's new additions: Oregon tonight and Washington on Saturday. The Ducks started Big Ten play well, going 5-3 in league action over the first month of the season. A stretch of four road trips in five games knocked the Ducks out of that winning rhythm, though, as they lost five straight games from January 25 to February 8.
The Ducks rebounded last week, though, taking a pair of home games against Northwestern and Rutgers. Now they're back on the road, facing Iowa tonight and Wisconsin on Saturday. Overall Oregon is 3-4 in Big Ten road games, tough they've lost their last four trips.
Of note: there's a "Student Palooza" event at CHA tonight, with $2 draft beer and $2 soft pretzels being available for students before the game.
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G Drew Thelwell (6'3", 195 lbs; 10.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 3.0 apg, 52.9 FG%, 42.2 3FG%)
G Josh Dix (6'6", 210 lbs; 14.0 ppg; 3.1 rpg; 2.8 apg; 52.0 FG%; 43.2 3FG%)
F Payton Sandfort (6'8", 215 lbs; 16.0 ppg; 6.0 rpg; 2.9 apg; 40.2 FG%; 34.0 3FG%)
F Seydou Traore (6'7", 220 lbs; 6.6 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.4 apg, 44.9 FG%, 25.0 3FG%)
C Riley Mulvey (6'11", 245 lbs; 2.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 0.4 apg; 75.0 FG%, 0.0 3FG%)
There's a little good news for Iowa's lineup options for tonight's game -- after missing Sunday's game against Maryland, both Riley Mulvey (illness) and Drew Thelwell (ankle injury) are expected to be available for this game.
G Jackson Shelstad (6'0", 180 lbs; 13.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.8 apg, 46.0 FG%, 40.0 3FG%)
G Keeshawn Barthelemy (6'1", 180 lbs; 9.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.7 apg, 4.0.8 FG%, 41.4 3FG%)
F TJ Bamba (6'5", 220 lbs; 10.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.8 apg, 37.6 FG%, 25.0 3FG%)
F Brandon Angel (6'9", 225 lbs; 9.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 1.2 apg, 54.8 FG%, 38.2 3FG%)
C Nate Bittle (7'0", 240 lbs; 12.6 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.7 apg, 50.0 FG%, 32.1 3FG%)
The Ducks rank respectably in offensive (36th) and defensive efficiency (48th) at a national level, but they've been below-average in league play in both categories. The Ducks are 13th in the Big Ten in offensive efficiency and only slightly better (11th) in defensive efficiency.
Oregon has been below average in getting to the line (13th in free throw rate and offensive rebounding rate, grabbing only 27.6% of their misses) and average in effective FG% (51.6%, 9th) and protecting the ball (9th in turnover rate). When it comes to shooting, the Ducks have been below-average at converting 2-point attempts (50.8%, 13th) and average at making 3-pointers (35.2%, 8th).
On defense, the Ducks have managed to turn a few of their offensive weaknesses into strengths -- they don't let opponents get to the free throw line often (6th in free throw rate) or collect missed shots (6th in offensive rebound rate). They're 8th in the league in blocking shots (9.7% of opponent possessions, 8th), mostly because 7-foot big man Nate Bittle averages two blocks per game.
They're not otherwise particularly good at contesting shots, as they rank 12th in effective FG% defense (53.2%) and have allowed opponents to make 52.6% of their 2-point tries (9th) and 36.2% of their 3-point efforts (13th). Their biggest defensive strength has been generating steals (9.7% of opponent possessions, 5th), but Iowa has been the best team in league play at avoiding turnovers this season.
While Maryland was heavily reliant on their starters, Oregon has been a bit more balanced in terms of production this year. The Ducks have been playing eight players 12 or more minutes per game on average and all eight of those players are averaging six points per game or more. Only three Ducks are averaging double figures in scoring (though a fourth, Keeshawn Barthelemy, is right outside that marker, at 9.7 ppg), led by guard Jackson Shelstad at 13.7 ppg.
Shelstad is tied for the team lead in assists at 2.8 per game and he's been one of Oregon's best outside shooters all season (40% on a team-high 125 attempts). Barthelemy is the Ducks' other main outside threat, as he's averaging 41.4% on 111 3-point shots this year. He replaced Jadrian Tracey in the Oregon starting lineup during the Ducks' losing streak and has remained there over the last five games. Tracey is averaging 7.3 ppg this season but hasn't cracked double digits in 10 games.
In addition to leading the team in blocks, Bittle also leads the squad in rebounds (7.0 rpg) and is second in scoring at 12.6 ppg. He (unsurprisingly) does a lot of damage near the rim, as he's shooting 58.9% on 2-point attempts this year, but he also stretches the floor often as a willing three-point shooter, though he hasn't been the most effective sharpshooter at 32.1% on 81 efforts from beyond the arc.
TJ Bamba is the final Duck averaging double figures in scoring at 10.3 ppg, to go along with 3.6 rpg and 2.8 apg. Bamba has been a lousy shooter all season, though, making just 43.8% of his attempts on 2-point shots and only 25.0% of his 76 shots behind the arc. Bamba, a Villanova transfer, was a better shooter last year so he may just be in a funk, but for the moment he's the least fearsome shooter of Oregon's starting five.
Brandon Angel, a Stanford transfer, rounds out the starting five with 9.3 ppg and 4.0 rpg. He's made 55.6% of his 2-point attempts in Big Ten play and 32.4% of his 3-point tries in league action.
On Friday, 2025 four-star forward, Badara Diakite shared with Hawkeye Beacon that he has decommitted from Iowa following the recent coaching change. Diakite committed to Iowa under Fran McCaffery in November.Diakite is the third 2025 Iowa commit to rescind their pledge following the hiring of Ben McCollum. Four-star wing ...
On Friday, 2025 four-star forward, Badara Diakite shared with Hawkeye Beacon that he has decommitted from Iowa following the recent coaching change. Diakite committed to Iowa under Fran McCaffery in November.
Diakite is the third 2025 Iowa commit to rescind their pledge following the hiring of Ben McCollum. Four-star wing Joshua Lewis and three-star power forward, Dezmon Briscoe have also decommitted.
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Diakite, who officially visited Iowa in mid-October, said seeing practice was a big deal for him when he made it to campus.
"Seeing those practices and how they were playing and stuff like that, and how Coach Fran was coaching them -- yeah, that was definitely something that stuck out," Diakite said. "They were just going up and down, and just the movement of the ball, it was so fast."
He believed his style of play matches up well with the way Iowa operated under the previous coaching staff.
"[Play style] is important," he said. "The system, how they play, and stuff like that."
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“Badara is an extremely talented, versatile player with a great feel for the game,” McCaffery said in a statement when Diakite signed with the Hawkeyes. “He can stretch the floor with his 3-point shooting, he can guard any position one through five and he is an even better person. We’re thrilled to have him as part of the Hawkeye family.”
Diakite ultimately chose the Hawkeyes over a final three that included Boston College and Washington. He took official visits to all three campuses, with his OV to Iowa City coming in early October. The trip allowed him to get to know McCaffery, assistant coach Courtney Eldridge and the Iowa basketball program on a deeper level.
"I definitely like talking to them, especially when I went there," Diakite said after the visit. "I had a lot of fun with Coach Fran. He showed me around and we had a lot of good conversations. He's definitely a good guy."
McCaffery's experience and decisiveness in the recruiting process stood out to Diakite, who moved to America in 2020.
“I chose the University of Iowa because of the coaches’ communication in the recruiting process and because of Coach McCaffery," Diakite said. "I feel he understands me as a person and sees my basketball talents to be used in ways I can grow my game while helping the team win.”
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