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In a historic capstone to a record-breaking career, Harvard senior guard Harmoni Turner became the first Ivy League player to be named the Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Wednesday.
The national award, presented by Her Hoop Stats, recognizes the top player from a mid-major program — and this year, Turner left no doubt that she belongs at the top.
The honor adds to an impressive list of accolades for Turner that includes Ivy League Player of the Year and Associated Press All-American Honorable Mention.
Two months before the season, Turner added to her trophy cabinet, leading the United States to the gold medal in the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup. Turner totaled 40 points across seven games, good for second overall in the tournament.
Turner carried the momentum into her finest season in the Crimson uniform, averaging 22.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, along with 2.8 steals per game. Known for her dynamic scoring ability, court vision, and relentless motor, Turner was the driving force behind Harvard’s best regular season in program history.
“This program hasn’t seen a player like her in a very long time,” said Harvard women’s basketball coach Carrie Moore during senior night last month. “She’s paving the way for other players to come in this league and do the things that she’s doing. The crown she wears is heavy, so I’m really proud of her.”
This year, Turner broke the single game scoring record, notching 41 points in a 78-70 home victory over Boston College. The new record stood for exactly four months until Turner outdid herself, rebreaking her record with higher stakes on the line.
Turner utilized her triple threat scoring abilities to full effect, exploding for 44 points in the 70-67 Ivy League Tournament semifinal victory over Princeton. The following day she scored 24 points en route to a narrow 74-71 win over Columbia, earning Harvard its first Ivy Madness Championship and a return to March Madness for the first time since 2007.
As her Crimson days come to an end, Turner’s name has already been circulating WNBA Draft conversations. She will hope to hear her name called on April 14 in New York City.
Whether on the hardwood or beyond, Harmoni Turner’s impact on Harvard will be felt for years to come.
—Staff writer Oscar E. Mercado can be reached at oscar.mercado@thecrimson.com.
