UConn's Dangerfield Finalist For Major Positional Award

STORRS, CT/SPRINGFIELD, MA – University of Connecticut junior Crystal Dangerfield has been tabbed as one of five finalists for the 2019 Nancy Lieberman Award. The announceent was made by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Association Monday.

In its 20th season, the award recognizes the top point guard in women’s NCAA Division I college basketball.

Dangerfield is averaging 6.1 assists per game, which ranks in the top 10 nationally. She also holds a 3.27 assist-turnover ratio. The Murfreesboro, TN, native averaged 7.5 assists per game in conference play. Dangerfield also ranks third on the team with 13.7 points per game.

The other finalists for the award are Sabrina Ionescu (Oregon), Destiny Slocum (Oregon State), Tyasha Harris (South Carolina) and Tiana Mangakahia (Syracuse).

UConn has had eight previous Lieberman Award winners: Sue Bird (2000, 2001, 2002), Diana Tuarasi (2003, 2004), Renee Montgomery (2009) and Moriah Jefferson (2015, 2016).

A national committee of top college basketball personnel determined the watch list of 20 student-athletes in October, which was narrowed to 10 candidates in February and now just five finalists. This month, the finalists will be presented to Ms. Lieberman and the Hall of Fame’s selection committee. The winner of the 2019 Nancy Lieberman Point Guard of the Year Award will be determined by a combination of fan votes and input from the Basketball Hall of Fame’s selection committee. Fans are encouraged to visit www.HoophallAwards.com to cast their votes March 15-29.

The winner of the 2019 Lieberman Award will be revealed in partnership with the WBCA at the College Women’s Basketball Award Show at the Final Four in Tampa, FL.

Additional awards being presented and recognized at the award show include the Ann Meyers Drysdale Shooting Guard Award, the Cheryl Miller Small Forward Award, the Katrina McClain Power Forward Award and the Lisa Leslie Center Award.

Also being awarded is the Wade Trophy, the sport’s oldest and most prestigious national player of the year award which is presented annually by the WBCA’s community of coaches to the best player in college women’s basketball.

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