Tabitha Betson shares expectations going into freshman season

Colorado forward Tabitha Betson has the talent to become a star in Boulder

Earlier this month, Colorado women’s basketball forward Tabitha Betson was named the preseason Big 12 Freshman of the Year, raising high expectations for the rookie from Australia.

Betson, a former four-star prospect (per ESPN) in the 2024 recruiting cycle and a McDonald’s All-American nominee, should be a big part of the Buffs’ rotation this season. Standing at 6-foot-2, Betson is a talented playmaker in the paint. She can score at all three levels and possesses the ability to get her teammates involved with her passing skills.

Last week, Betson spoke on being named the preseason Big 12 Freshman of the Year.

It was definitely a huge honor,” Betson said. “I really appreciate the recognition, I do. It’s a bit weird because I haven’t even done anything yet, so it’s kind of a little awkward.”

She also shared her thoughts on the expectations that come with the recognition.

“There definitely is a level of expectation,” Betson said. “I also feel like my coaches are really good at putting their trust in me and making me feel that there are expectations, but if I mess up, it’s okay. I just have to go out and be me, and that is enough. I think that’s the most important thing for me to remember.”

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Colorado newcomer named preseason Big 12 Freshman of the Year

Tabitha Betson appears primed for a huge freshman season with the Buffs

Ahead of her first college season, Colorado women’s basketball forward Tabitha Betson was named the 2024-25 preseason Big 12 Freshman of the Year on Thursday.

Betson, a 2024 McDonald’s All-American Game nominee, was ranked by ESPN as the No. 48 prospect in her class — the highest among Big 12 incoming freshmen.

The 6-foot-2 rookie from Melbourne, Australia becomes the first player in the head coach JR Payne era to earn preseason conference Freshman of the Year honors. Only three other players in program history have earned the distinction: Nikki Weddle (1997-98), Britt Hartshorn (1998-99) and Sabrina Scott (1999-2000).

“The first time we ever saw Tabitha play, we knew she was a must-get for us,” Payne said (h/t CUBuffs.com). “We were thrilled when she signed here, and we knew she would be an impactful player right away. I definitely believe she is the best freshman in the conference, if not the country, as far as what she brings to the table from a basketball and IQ standpoint.”

Coming off back-to-back NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 appearances, Colorado was picked to finish ninth in the preseason Big 12 women’s basketball poll.

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