The sophomore is heading back to Australia.
Tabbed as the next Colorado Buffaloes women’s basketball star, everyone in Boulder was excited about Tabitha Betson. But the Australian forward made the difficult decision to leave Boulder and return to Melbourne.
First reported by Brian Howell of the Daily Camera, Betson felt the pull towards home and to be closer to her family. Although only a freshman, she’s been playing basketball in the States for five years now, as she was a four-time letterwinner at DME Academy in Florida.
Betson was the 48th-ranked recruit in the 2024 high school class. She had the makings of a dynamic power forward, as she was strong, skilled with the ball and flashed potential as a three-level scorer. She should have a long and successful career in Australia and wherever else she might play.
For the Buffs, this is a tough loss. JR Payne has had to rebuild the roster, as Jade Masogayo, JoJo Nworie and Kennedy Sanders are the only players returning from last season’s squad. Continuity will be a question mark, just as it was last season, especially without Frida Formann.
Masogayo projects as CU’s best all-around player. After her, Zyanna Walker (K-State) and Anaëlle Dutat (Rhode Island) should bring defense and versatility at the 3 and 4. Claire O’Connor (Gonzaga) adds shooting while Desiree Wooten (North Texas) looks like a Sherrod-esque bundle of energy.