Johnson Named to Nancy Lieberman Point Guard of the Year Award Preseason Watchlist

Noah Schlekeway, Assistant SID

Women's Basketball | 10/28/2024 2:50:00 PM

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. --- Norfolk State graduate point guard Diamond Johnson landed on the 2025 Preseason Nancy Lieberman Point Guard of the Year Watchlist, announced by Naismith Starting Five on Monday afternoon.
 
The Nancy Lieberman Award recognizes the top point guard in women's NCAA Division I basketball. To be considered for the award, candidates must exhibit the floor leadership, playmaking, and ball-handling skills of Class of 1996 Hall-of-Famer Nancy Liberman.  
 
Johnson averaged 20.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.8 steals, and 2.9 assists per game last season, earning MEAC Newcomer of the Year, MEAC First-Team, MEAC-Defensive, BOXTROW Impact Award, and BOXTROW HBCU All-America First team honors.
 
This is the fourth preseason honor Johnson has picked up this season (MEAC Preseason Player of the Year, All-MEAC First Team, and 2025 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Watchlist).
 
Johnson is one of two mid-major players named to the Nancy Liberman Point Guard of the Year Watchlist this season, and the only selection from a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
 
 Preseason Watchlist for 2025 Nancy Lieberman Point Guard of the Year
 
Player School
Paige Bueckers UConn
Te-Hina PaoPao South Carolina
Olivia Miles Notre Dame
Kiki Rice UCLA
Serena Sundell Kansas State
Georgia Amoore Kentucky 
Raven Johnson South Carolina
Emily Ryan Iowas State
Talia von Oelhoffen USC
Rori Hamon Texas
Hannah Hidalgo Notre Dame
Jordan Harrison West Virginia
Lucy Olsen Iowa
Diamond Johnson Norfolk State
Katie Dinnebier Drake
Ines Viera Utah
Charlisse Leger-Walker UCLA
Makira Cook Illinois
Deja Kelly Oregon
Taina Mair Duke
 
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