Garzon Lands on Miller Preseason Watch List
October 30, 2024 | Women's Basketball
The Oklahoma State transfer is one of 20 players on the preseason watch list
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Colorado forward Lior Garzon was among 20 players selected as members of the Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Preseason watchlist, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women's Basketball Coaches Association announced on Wednesday.
The Cheryl Miller Award, in its eighth year, honors the top small forwards in women's Division I women's college basketball. It is named after the three-time Naismith Player of the Year and Class of 1995 Hall of Famer.
"We are unbelievably excited for Lior to be on the preseason watch list for the Cheryl Miller award," head coach JR Payne stated. "Lior has had a great career, and I expect this will be her best year yet."
Garzon, a graduate transfer from Oklahoma State, started 30 of 33 games last year in Stillwater. She shot—30.8% from 3-point range, totaling 60 triples on the season. Garzon left Oklahoma State ranked fifth in program history with 140 3's in her two seasons. She set the school record with 80 3-pointers as a junior in 2022-23. Before attending Oklahoma State, Garzon spent two seasons at Villanova, where she was named the Big East Co-Most Improved Player in 2021-22 and was the Second Team All-Conference.
The 6-1 forward has totaled 1,257 career points in 119 career games. She has averaged 10.6 points per game across her two previous stops. Garzon enters 2024-25 with 245 career made 3-pointers and a 34.1% from beyond the arc. She has snagged 435 career rebounds, pulling down 3.7 boards per game.
Garzon was one of four Big 12 players on the list, joining Darianna Littlepage-Buggs (Baylor), Gianna Kneepkens (Utah) and Terima Poindexter (Kansas State).
Fan voting for the award opens on Nov. 1. The list will be narrowed down to 10 in late January, with plans to announce the Final 5 in late March. The list remains fluid, and players can play themselves on or off until the five finalists are selected.
The Selection Committee for the Cheryl Miller Award is composed of top women's college basketball personnel, including media members, head coaches, sports information directors and Hall of Famers.
Colorado opens the 2024-25 season at Wyoming on Nov. 4. The Buffaloes' home opener is scheduled for Nov. 7 against Northern Colorado.
