Suez, Liad

Villanova forward Liad Suez established herself as the leading scorer on the team in her sophomore year. Though Liad is usually used as a power forward, she can play any position on the court because of her extraordinary combination of strength, agility and intelligence.

Liad is a psychology major and an outstanding student.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. April 21, 1981

Career Highlights:
Liad played for Ostrovski High School in Ra'anana, a women's basketball powerhouse. She averaged over 20 points in both seasons at the school but they lost the national title to Kiryat Sharett Holon in the final twice. Suez spent her first professional season at A.S Ramat Ha'Sharon but found prominence back in Ra'anana for the local Maccabi team. Under the systematic tutelage of Meir Eliahu, she helped them to a shocking upset win in the 1999-2000 State Cup Final. She returned to Ramat Ha'Sharon in 2000-01 and won two consecutive national championships. In 2002 Liad helped the Israeli national team to its first European Championship tournament, but was part of a generally disappointing performance in the tournament itself.

Suez missed her freshman year due to NCAA constraints. She debuted in the 2003-04 season and her impact was immediate. She led the Wildcats to a remarkable 22-6 campaign. The highlight of the regular season was a sensational victory over two- time champion Connecticut, 69-59. The Israeli was on fire, scoring 20 points in the second half for a total of 23. On the defensive end, Suez stymied Huskies superstar Diana Taurasi and held her to a meager 8 points.

Liad was Villanova's leading scorer with 13.4 points per game, shooting 46% from the field and dishing out 2.2 assists per game. When Villanova played Mississippi in the first round of the NCAA tournament, Liad scored 11 points and took down 7 rebounds on the way to a 66-63 victory. Villanova was knocked out in the second round by Purdue University, 76-61. Suez was the leading scorer with 12, and the leading rebounder for the losing team. At the end of the year she was named to the All-Big East 3rd team.

Origin:
Even-Yehuda, Israel

Position:
Forward

Physical description:
6"2

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