This spring, Tabitha Betson was looking forward to next season and the growth she could make with the Colorado women’s basketball team.
As time went on, however, home pulled at Betson’s heart, and she has decided to leave CU and return to Melbourne, Australia, to be closer to family.
“I definitely felt like Tabs had a really bright future and had a great second half of the season,” CU head coach JR Payne said, “but I also recognize the importance of each individual feeling like they’re in a space that they can really thrive, both on the court and off the court. After three years in the U.S., she just felt really strongly that she wanted to be closer to her family.”
A 6-foot-2 forward, Betson averaged 5.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game as a freshman this past season. She was a projected starter at the power forward spot next season and likely would have been one of the top players for the Buffs.
“I definitely think it’s a loss,” Payne said. “She was an experienced player. She was built for our system, and I thought was capable of really having a breakout year.”
A year ago, Betson was the highest-rated freshman in the Big 12, per ESPN HoopGurlz, at No. 48. She came to CU after two seasons at DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Fla., where she was a McDonald’s All-America nominee.
In those three years away from home, Betson didn’t see her family much.
“I think the idea of navigating that time away from them for three more years just became pretty daunting, as far as the long term picture,” Payne said. “She just felt like it was time for her to go home and be closer to her family, and that’s what she needs right now.”
With Betson’s departure, the Buffs (21-13, 9-9 Big 12 last season) will have just three returning players next season: forward Jade Masogayo, point guard Kennedy Sanders and center JoJo Nworie.
CU has 10 newcomers, including five transfers and five incoming freshmen. Payne said the Buffs aren’t actively recruiting to replace Betson’s spot on the roster.
“We definitely have really good players that will play the same position that she would have played,” Payne said. “I don’t think we necessarily need to go find somebody. I think we have a lot of really good talent on our roster already.”
Logyn Greer, a 6-foot-4 freshman from Friends Central (Pa.) High School, could play a bigger role at forward with Betson gone.
Want more sports news? Sign up for the Sports Omelette to get all our analysis on Denver’s teams.