CU Buffs’ Tabitha Betson embracing expectations

Before shes even had an opportunity to play a game with the Colorado Buffaloes, Tabitha Betson has had some high expectations put upon her.

The freshman from Australia embraces the challenge, though.

Coming off back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances, the CU womens basketball team has a remodeled roster that features 10 newcomers, including Betson, who is expected to make an immediate impact.

A 6-foot-2 forward, Betson was tabbed this week by Big 12 coaches as the preseason choice for freshman of the year in the conference.

She is the highest-rated freshman in the Big 12 on the ESPN HoopGurlz top 100 for 2024, at No.

48.

I do think that it applies a bit of pressure, but I also like that, Betson said.

I like to live up to standards, and I think its good to have a standard for myself from other people and for myself.

But then I also know that Im a huge team player.

I just want to do anything I can to win.

As much as theres rankings (and expectations), none of that really matters once you step on the court.

My main thing is doing whatever I can to help us win.

CU head coach JR Payne is confident that Betson can help the Buffaloes, projected for a ninth-place finish in the 16-team Big 12, win a lot of games.

Betson, who is from Melbourne, Australia, comes to CU after two seasons at DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Fla., where she was a McDonalds All-America nominee.

Shes also played on big stages overseas.

I think shes built for it, Payne said of the expectations on Betson.

I mean, she chose to leave her home and come to the U.S.

to get ready for college two years early and thats a risky move for a young kid to do that.

She willingly took on that challenge, and its definitely paid dividends.

Betson represented Australia at the U17 World Cup in 2022, and spent three years playing for a club in Victoria, including as captain in 2022.

She then jumped at an opportunity to play at DME two years ago and believes thats made a world of difference as she beings her college journey.

I think my first year in the US was a huge adjustment to the US game, she said.

It took me a second to kind of, like, adjust to the playing style.

Now that I already adjusted, Ive come in already used to that playing style.

I think a lot of people who come across from Australia straight to college, thats a huge jump.

I dont think people really understand how much of a jump it is, so Im eternally grateful for that.

Betson, who said she loves the supportive environment at CU, has the ability to play multiple positions for the Buffs and believes her decision making, shooting ability and versatility are her strengths.

Payne sees a high-level player, despite Betsons youth.

Shes phenomenal, Payne said.

High IQ, great understanding, varied skill set.

Can really do anything and everything, and is going to have a great year.

For the Buffs to exceed preseason projections, theyll need several players, including Betson, to step up and the freshman is eager to get started.

Im super excited, she said.

I think we have so many different styles of basketball from all over the world.

...

I think (chemistry) is what were missing right now.

Thats a missing piece, obviously, because no ones really played together except four people.

Once we have that, Im really excited for us..

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