When Chazadi Wright first joined her AAU team as a kid, she barely said a word. Teammates remember her as quiet, observant, and focused. But not for long. One day, a pair of lively twins on her squad looked at the soft-spoken Wright and, in classic teammate fashion, gave her a nickname that was the complete opposite of her personality at the time: Chit-Chat.
The name stuck. It didn’t matter that she wasn’t exactly living up to it back then—there was something catchy and fun about it. Fast forward to today, and “Chit-Chat” has become more than just a nickname. It’s how she’s introduced at games. And that’s what her coaches call her. It’s what fans shout from the bleachers. And yes, it’s how she prefers to be known.
“I am more talkative now,” Wright said with a grin in an April 23 interview with the Des Moines Register, just after announcing her transfer to Iowa. “Yes, that’s a fact.”
That playful nickname from her childhood has now become part of her identity as she steps into one of the brightest spotlights in women’s college basketball. Chazadi “Chit-Chat” Wright is officially headed to Iowa, bringing with her a game built for speed, energy, and noise—on and off the court. She’s no longer the quiet kid. She’s a dynamic guard ready to leave her mark in a Hawkeye jersey.
So who is Chazadi Wright, really? What are her stats, her NIL value, and what does her arrival mean for Iowa? Let’s break it down.
What are Chazadi Wright’s NIL deals as of 2025?
Georgia Tech women’s basketball had the kind of season players dream about. By December 2024, they were off to the best start in program history, riding high after a statement win over Nebraska in a ranked matchup. That victory pushed the Yellow Jackets up four spots in the AP Poll to No. 13, placing them firmly in the national spotlight. They were one of six ACC teams ranked in the top 25, sharing the stage with powerhouses like Notre Dame and Duke.
That kind of buzz isn’t just about the school. It’s also about the players—like Chazadi “Chit-Chat” Wright—who helped put Georgia Tech in that position. A two-time All-State honoree by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Wright brought consistency, grit, and energy to the backcourt, drawing eyes not just from fans but from brands looking to connect with emerging stars.
At 5-4, Wright has stayed on the radar. Decatur-born, Wright has landed brand partnerships and shoutouts tied to her growing influence. Exact numbers around her NIL deals haven’t gone public, since most stay private unless a player or sponsor reveals them. Platforms like Opendorse have helped support those deals.
She had a branded “Georgia Team” store connected to her. That’s expected to go offline soon now that she’s entered the transfer portal and officially moved on from Tech. Now? She’s with Iowa—and that changes everything. The Hawkeyes have become one of the biggest stages in all of college sports, especially during Caitlin Clark’s historic run. With record-breaking viewership and media buzz that has only grown stronger, Iowa has turned into a goldmine for NIL opportunities. Wright, now wearing black and gold, is stepping into that same ecosystem.
No doubt, more deals will follow. She’s got the name, the nickname, and now the national platform to go with it.
How Georgia Tech Shaped Chazadi Wright’s Rise?
As “Chit-Chat” under the bright lights of Big Ten basketball, Chazadi Wright was quietly building her foundation down in Atlanta. A 5-foot-4 guard out of Decatur, Georgia, Wright came into Georgia Tech with more game than hype—and it didn’t take long for that to flip. She wasn’t the loudest voice in the room early on, but she let her play do the talking. By the end of her freshman year, everyone around the Yellow Jackets knew her name—and her nickname too.
Before she ever suited up for Tech, Wright already had a decorated resume. At Wesleyan School, she passed the 1,000-point mark and collected honor after honor. She earned first-team Class A Private all-State in 2022, then first-team 3A all-State in 2023. She took home Region 7 Class 3A Region Player of the Year and locked in a spot on Sandy’s Spiel GHSA Girls Class 3A Preseason All-State first team ahead of her final high school season. ESPN HoopsGurlz rated her a four-star recruit, slotted at No. 79 nationally and fourth overall in Georgia.
Dan Olson’s Collegiate Girls Basketball Report ranked her No. 3 in Georgia, No. 24 at her position, and No. 74 overall. Prospects Nation and Jr. All Star listed her among the top 75 players in the country, both giving her four stars. Wright had options—Boston College, Vanderbilt—but chose Georgia Tech. She believed in the program, and they believed in her.
“She might be small in stature, but she is huge in heart and ability to play basketball,” head coach Nell Fortner said at the time. “Chit Chat is one of the most exciting point guards I have seen in a long time.”
Wright wasted no time living up to that praise. She averaged 7.2 points, 2.6 assists, and 2.2 rebounds in her first year, finding her rhythm in the ACC. She shot a scorching 89% from the free-throw line—ice in her veins—and never backed down from the three-point line, giving Tech an offensive spark when they needed one.
Her breakout moment came against No. 23 Nebraska. Wright came off the bench, dropped a career-high 15 points, and helped Georgia Tech knock off a ranked opponent to stay undefeated. That win pushed the Yellow Jackets to a 13-0 start—the best in program history—and Wright’s fingerprints were all over it. That wasn’t just a big night. That was her arrival.
From that game on, her role kept growing. She started 12 games and saw her minutes spike when it counted, logging 30-plus minutes in three of Tech’s last four. At 5-4 and Decatur-born, Wright stood tall against national powers. She hit double figures against both NC State and Stanford, delivering in big moments while helping Tech punch a ticket back to the NCAA Tournament.
“I feel like I play bigger than what I am,” Wright said. “I can get rebounds, box out bigger people. It’s pretty crazy what I can do.”
Georgia Tech gave her a platform. She turned it into a proving ground. And now, with a full season of battle-tested basketball behind her, Wright is headed to Iowa. She’s bringing that same grit, heart, and hunger that helped her break out in Atlanta—and she’s just getting started.
Why Did Chazadi Wright Transfer from Georgia Tech to Iowa?
Sometimes, a transfer isn’t just about playing time. It’s about connection. That feeling when everything just clicks. For Chazadi “Chit-Chat” Wright, her move from Georgia Tech to Iowa wasn’t some rushed decision—it was the result of a bond, a vibe, and a gut feeling she couldn’t ignore.
Let’s rewind for a second. Iowa had a gap to fill. After the WNBA scooped up standout point guard Lucy Olsen in the second round of the draft and Aaliyah Guyton hit the portal and landed at Illinois, the Hawkeyes started hunting. They had their eyes on a few options—one being UCLA’s Elina Aarnisalo—but came up short.
Then came a key coaching shuffle. Iowa’s second-year head coach Jan Jensen brought in Georgia Tech assistant LaSondra Barrett to replace Raina Harmon. That move turned out to be bigger than expected. Not only did it give Iowa a new voice on the bench—it opened the door for Wright to follow.
But it wasn’t just about a familiar face. When Wright visited Iowa City, it wasn’t about X’s and O’s or highlight tapes. It was about laughs. Over frozen yogurt, she and her potential new teammates bonded fast. “We just had a ball,” she said. “We were laughing the whole time, making TikToks and really enjoying each other’s presence. It was crazy.” The connection was real. Especially with Taylor Stremlow, who’s now Wright’s sophomore classmate. That short visit didn’t just check the boxes—it made Wright feel like she already belonged.
“The majority of (the decision) was just like the feeling that I had,” Wright shared. “Everything felt natural, the bond that I built with my now-to-be teammates in that short period of time. It just felt like I knew them forever.”
She felt it. Iowa’s coaches felt it, too. Wright brings more than just skill to the roster—she brings an energy that fits. Coach Jensen had been selective in the portal, passing up big names in favor of the right culture. She trusted her instincts, even when it looked like Iowa might be running out of time to find a true point guard. Turns out, she was just waiting for the right one.
And now? She’s got her. Wright joins a guard-heavy lineup featuring Ava Deal, Taylor McCabe, Kylie Feuerbach, and Stremlow—with depth from Callie Levin and Kennise Johnson. But she’s not worried about competition. That’s what drew her in. “Everybody else on the team is so good,” Wright said. “It’s a very dynamic team.” She also felt drawn to the energy of the fans—sold-out crowds at Carver-Hawkeye Arena and a program buzzing with momentum after a 23-win season and a strong NCAA Tournament showing.
“Everybody has their role,” Wright said. “And they’re willing to do whatever they can, to play to the best of their ability to win. And that’s something I like to be a part of.” For Iowa, Wright’s speed and playmaking fill a critical gap. With her defensive instincts and knack for breaking presses, she’s a perfect fit for Jensen’s up-tempo style. She could battle for a starting spot alongside five-star freshman Addie Deal, and her bond with assistant coach Barrett might give her an edge in adjusting to Big Ten play. With Iowa retooling its roster post-Caitlin Clark, and aiming for a Final Four, Wright’s clutch play—like her strong outings against NC State and Stanford—makes her a key piece in that puzzle
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