Although the Colorado women’s basketball team is loaded with newcomers, it is not a squad that is devoid of experience.
One of the most experienced and integral players on the roster is Lior Garzon, a 6-foot-1 forward who joined the Buffs this summer after playing for Oklahoma State and Villanova over the past four years.
Garzon has 119 games under her belt – tied with another transfer, Johanna Teder, for the second-most on the team. Fifth-year senior Frida Formann has played 120 games.
That experience and Garzon’s overall ability could be a huge boost for a CU program that features 10 newcomers and is aiming for a fourth consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament.
“I think Lior has had a great career, and I also still think there’s a lot in her,” CU head coach JR Payne said. “There’s a lot more that she can accomplish. She wants to be a pro, she’s going to be a pro and I’m excited to see how she develops this year and continues to grow.”
After playing two seasons at Villanova, Garzon spent the last two years at Oklahoma State, including as a full-time starter last season. She averaged 9.0 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists for the Cowgirls last year.
In her career, she’s averaged 10.6 points, collecting a total of 1,257 points and hitting 245 3-pointers.
“I think obviously shooting,” she said of what she brings to the table for CU. “I think it helps when you have more than one shooter on the team. … Second, just experience. Obviously, I’ve been in the Big 12 for two years. I know what it’s like. I know most of the teams, I know most of the players. Just bringing to the table, teaching other players just the intensity and what it takes to win in the Big 12.”
With a bonus season of eligibility granted to all players from the 2020-21 season, Garzon, who is from Ra’anana, Israel, could have stayed at OSU, but felt she wanted a change.
“I think just looking for a better fit for me,” she said.
In CU, she found a team she enjoys and a location she loves.
“I think this is probably one of the best states in America,” she said.
She also sees a lot of potential in the Buffs, a team she faced on Nov. 12 in Boulder. She had 17 points and three rebounds for OSU in the Buffs’ 86-75 win.
“At first, I went to the portal just to see what’s going on,” she said. “But I remember we played Colorado last year when I was at Oklahoma State and I really like the style they play, and how they play.
“When I went in the transfer portal, the most important thing for me was, first of all the staff and the coaching, just to hear what people think, and I only heard really good stuff, which was very important for me. And then the second was taking it to the next level.”
It made an impression on Garzon that recent Buffs such as Jaylyn Sherrod and Mya Hollingshed have received WNBA opportunities.
“I looked to a place that they already made it, where people have already made it out of this place and Colorado was the top fit for me,” she said.
Garzon is somewhat similar to CU graduate Quay Miller, as both are big forwards who can shoot the 3 and rebound. However, Garzon is more of a threat from the perimeter than Miller was, and Miller was the better rebounder.
“I think Quay’s an amazing player,” Garzon said. “She’s one of the best that’s ever been here, but we do have some similarity. … I think she was way more physical in the paint. I hope I’m going to be like this, but I think she did a really good job.”
The Buffs are hoping Garzon does a really good job, too, and she is enjoying being a part of the program.
“I really feel happy with my choice,” she said. “Obviously, most of us are new, so it takes a bit of time to learn the offense and learn each other, but I think we’re doing an amazing job and I think the coaches put the team together very, very well, so I’m very happy.”
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