DURHAM, N.C. – Duke women’s basketball junior guard Taina Mair was announced as one of 20 candidates selected to the 2025 Nancy Lieberman Award Preseason Watch List, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and Women’s Basketball Coaches Association announced Monday.
Now in its 26th year, the Nancy Lieberman Award recognizes the top point guard in women’s NCAA Division I college basketball. To be considered for this prestigious award, candidates must exhibit the floor leadership, playmaking and ball-handling skills of Class of 1996 Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman.
Mair started all 34 games for Duke during the 2023-24 season and led the Blue Devils in four categories, including assists (3.7) and steals (1.5). She also ranked second on the team in scoring (9.8) and fourth in rebounding (3.8). Mair notched double figures in 14 games and netted 20-plus points three times – erupting for a season high of 24 Dec. 10 against Florida Gulf Coast. The Boston native tallied five or more assists eight times, highlighted by a season-best nine dimes in a Feb. 22 win at Syracuse.
A national committee of top college basketball personnel determined the watch list of 20 candidates. In late January, the watch list of 20 players for the 2025 Nancy Lieberman Award will be narrowed to 10, and then in late February to just five. In March, the five finalists will be presented to Lieberman and the Hall of Fame’s selection committee, where a winner will be selected. Throughout the process, players will have the ability to play themselves on or off the lists until the five finalists are selected. Fans are encouraged to participate in Fan Voting in each of the three rounds starting Friday, November 1.
The winner of the 2025 Nancy Lieberman Award will be presented on a to be determined date, along with the other four members of the Women’s Starting Five. Additional awards being presented include the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award (Shooting Guard), Cheryl Miller Award (Small Forward), Katrina McClain Award (Power Forward) and the Lisa Leslie Award (Center), in addition to the Men’s Starting Five.
No. 11 Duke officially opens the 2024-25 season at home against Radford Monday, Nov. 4 in Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils’ third annual Education Day game is slated to tip off at 11 a.m., live on ACCNX.
To stay up to date with Duke women’s basketball, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching “DukeWBB.”
2025 Nancy Lieberman Award Candidates
- Katie Dinnebier, Drake
- Taina Mair, Duke
- Makira Cook, Illinois
- Lucy Olsen, Iowa
- Emily Ryan, Iowa State
- Serena Sundell, Kansas State
- Georgia Amoore, Kentucky
- Diamond Johnson, Norfolk State
- Olivia Miles, Notre Dame
- Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame
- Deja Kelly, Oregon
- Te-Hina Paopao, South Carolina
- Raven Johnson, South Carolina
- Rori Harmon, Texas
- Kiki Rice, UCLA
- Charlisse Leger-Walker, UCLA
- Paige Bueckers, UConn
- Talia von Oelhoffen, USC
- Inês Vieira, Utah
- Jordan Harrison, West Virginia
50 Seasons of Duke Women’s Basketball
The 2024-25 season marks the 50th anniversary of Duke women’s basketball, a program rich in tradition, excellence and success. From its early foundations to national dominance, the Blue Devils have become a powerhouse in both athletics and academics. Join us in commemorating five decades of sisterhood, championships and iconic moments as we set the stage for the next 50 years. For more information, please visit goduke.com/WBB50
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu
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