Hawkeyes and the Heat

Hawkeyes and the Heat

Nov. 24, 2012

Hawkeyes at Miami Heat Game Photo Gallery

MIAMI — Theairra Taylor couldn’t get off the bus fast enough as it pulled up to American Airlines Arena. She has been waiting for years to see her idol, LeBron James, in person.

Taylor and the rest of the University of Iowa women’s basketball team witnessed the Miami Heat knock off James’ former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Saturday night. The team departed FIU’s campus after practice and headed to downtown Miami to catch James, Dwayne Wade, Ray Allen and the rest of the defending NBA champions.

“It was an amazing experience,” Taylor said. “I’ve wanted to see LeBron play in person for years. He is my favorite player and the Heat are my favorite team. I can’t believe we actually had the opportunity to go to a Miami Heat game.”

After a tough loss to FIU Friday night, Iowa had an efficient and strong practice before catching the game. Taylor said she appreciates that the Iowa coaching staff organizes outings on holiday tournament trips.

“Our coaches always try to do something for us on these trips,” Taylor said. “We went snorkeling in the Bahamas, saw Mayan ruins in Cancun and now they just took us to a Miami Heat game. Our coaches make sure to give us a great experience as student-athletes.”

The Hawkeyes return to action Sunday at noon (CT) against 12th-ranked West Virginia in the consolation game of the FIU Thanksgiving Classic.