Chazadi Wright Named to Nancy Lieberman Award Watch List
The Iowa point guard joins 19 other NCAA Division I athletes on the prestigious preseason list.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Basketball
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and Women's Basketball Coaches Association selected Chazadi Wright for the 2026-27 Nancy Lieberman Award Watch List. This annual honor recognizes the top point guard in NCAA Division I women's basketball.
Why it matters
Being named to the watch list highlights Wright as one of the nation's premier playmakers following her impactful 2025-26 performance. Her inclusion reflects the rising profile of Iowa's program within the competitive landscape of the Big Ten.
Wright averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game during the 2025-26 season. She also maintained a 44 percent three-point shooting mark while recording 138 total assists.
The players
Chazadi Wright
She is an Iowa point guard who previously played for Georgia Tech and earned Third Team All-Big Ten honors.
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
This institution preserves the history of basketball and plays a central role in selecting top collegiate players for national awards.
Women's Basketball Coaches Association
This organization promotes women's basketball by recognizing excellence through collaborative awards with the Naismith Hall of Fame.
The details
Wright, who began her career at Georgia Tech, enters the season as a key leader for an Iowa squad ranked 10th in the AP Preseason Poll. Her selection follows a 2025-26 campaign where she earned Third Team All-Big Ten honors and scored 387 total points.
Timeline
October 26, 2026: The announcement of the Nancy Lieberman Award Watch List.
October 29, 2026: Iowa plays an exhibition game against Maryville.
October 30, 2026: Fan voting for the Nancy Lieberman Award officially begins.
February 2027: The list of candidates will narrow to 10 athletes.
March 2027: The five finalists for the award will be announced.
Season Trajectory
Wright's inclusion on the watch list positions her as a central figure in the competitive balance of the Big Ten conference. Her performance will be a critical factor in determining if Iowa can maintain its top-10 ranking and secure a deep postseason run.
Wright's status as a primary playmaker suggests she will remain the focal point of Iowa's offensive rotation throughout the 2026-27 season. Her performance will directly influence the team's efficiency and overall standings as they compete within a dense Big Ten schedule.
The takeaway
Recognizing top talent early in the season through watch lists helps fans identify the players likely to dominate conference play. Following the progress of nominees like Wright offers a deeper look at the evolution of individual skill and team strategy throughout the year.
What happens next
Fan voting for the award begins October 30, 2026, followed by a reduction of the candidate list to 10 athletes in February 2027 and the announcement of five finalists in March 2027.
Further reading
For more on local collegiate play, see Iowa City Basketball.
