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The 2018 Nancy Lieberman Award watch list has been announced

By Jada Butts

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 16: WNBA retiree, Nancy Lieberman, helps host a youth clinic for the NBA and WNBA Retired Players Association on September 16, 2017 at Urban Ventures in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 16: WNBA retiree, Nancy Lieberman, helps host a youth clinic for the NBA and WNBA Retired Players Association on September 16, 2017 at Urban Ventures in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Today the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame released watch list candidates for the 2018 Nancy Lieberman Award. The award recognizes the top point guards in NCAA D Division 1 college basketball that personify attributes of excellence like Hall of Famer Nancy Liberman. Selected candidates exemplify floor leadership, play-making and ball handling skills.

2018 Nancy Lieberman Award Candidates

Kennedy LeonardColorado
Kia NurseConnecticut
Lexie BrownDuke
Tianna TarterEast Tennessee State
Loren CagleLipscomb
Sydni MeansMercer
Katelynn FlahertyMichigan
Kenisha BellMinnesota
Morgan WilliamMississippi St.
Kelsey MitchellOhio St.
Sabrina IonescuOregon
Teniya PagePenn St.
Jackie KemphSaint Louis
Bianca Cuevas-MooreSouth Carolina
Jessica KovatchSt. Francis (PA)
Brooke McCartyTexas
Jordin CanadaUCLA
Chanette HicksVirginia Tech
Emily ClemensWestern Illinois
Deja WimbyWestern Michigan

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The Selection Committee for the Nancy Lieberman Award is complied of top women’s college basketball personnel including media members, head coaches, sports information directors and Hall of Famers. By mid-February, the watch list of 20 players for the 2018 Lieberman Award will be narrowed to just 10. In March, five finalists will be presented to Ms. Lieberman and the Hall of Fame’s selection committee. Players can play their way onto and off of the list at any point in the 2017-18 season. The winner of the 2018 Lieberman Award will be announced at an inaugural awards ceremony at the NCAA Women’s Final Four in Columbus, Ohio.

History Lesson

Nancy Lieberman owes a lot to those Harlem courts as that is where she learned, first hand, survival of the fittest. As a 5’10” point guard, not many could keep up with her physical and aggressive style of play, at any level. Lieberman was twice named as the Wade Trophy winner — a basketball first.

“Since 2000, the Nancy Lieberman Award committee has identified the best point guards in the game,” Lieberman said in a press release. “When you look at the list of winners over the past 18 years, we’ve celebrated players with extraordinary talent, grit and leadership skills. To earn this award, is to be recognized among the greats and the women on this watch list should be proud of their accomplishments thus far.”

Previous winners of the Nancy Lieberman Award include Kelsey Plum, Washington (2017), Moriah Jefferson, Connecticut (2015-16), Odyssey Sims, Baylor (2014), Skylar Diggins, Notre Dame (2012-13), Courtney Vandersloot, Gonzaga (2011), Andrea Riley, Oklahoma State (2010), Renee Montgomery, Connecticut (2009), Kristi Toliver, Maryland (2008), Lindsey Harding, Duke (2007), Ivory Latta, North Carolina (2006), Temeka Johnson, LSU (2005), Diana Taurasi, Connecticut (2003-04), and Sue Bird, Connecticut (2000-02).

The 2017-2018 college basketball season kicks off this Friday. Be sure to keep an eye out for these floor generals all season long.

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