Former Indiana University women’s basketball standout Yarden Garzon has announced her transfer to a Big Ten rival, sending ripples through the collegiate basketball community. A key contributor for the Hoosiers since arriving from Israel in 2022, Garzon’s decision marks a major shift both for her career and for the Big Ten landscape. Known for her sharpshooting ability, high basketball IQ, and versatility on both ends of the court, Garzon’s transfer is one of the most significant player moves of the offseason.
Garzon, a 6-foot-3 guard/forward, made an immediate impact during her freshman season at Indiana. She averaged double digits in scoring and was one of the top three-point shooters in the conference, quickly earning a reputation as one of the Big Ten’s most promising young players. Her ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and distribute the ball made her a cornerstone of IU’s success over the past two seasons. She helped guide the Hoosiers to back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances and played a crucial role in their 2022–23 Big Ten regular season title run.
The news of her transfer came as a surprise to many IU fans, especially given her close relationship with the coaching staff and her role as a leader on the team. While Garzon has not publicly stated her reasons for transferring, speculation points to a desire for a fresh start, different playing system, or greater exposure as she looks to continue developing toward a professional career—potentially in the WNBA or overseas.
What adds further drama to the announcement is her decision to transfer within the Big Ten, intensifying existing rivalries. Although the destination school has not been officially confirmed, reports strongly suggest that Garzon will be suiting up for either Ohio State or Maryland, both of which are perennial conference powerhouses. Either move would give her a strong platform to showcase her skills in high-profile games while competing at the top of the league.
From Indiana’s perspective, Garzon’s departure leaves a noticeable gap in the roster. The Hoosiers will need to rely more heavily on returning veterans and incoming recruits to fill the void, particularly in perimeter shooting and playmaking. Head coach Teri Moren has built a strong culture in Bloomington, and while this loss stings, the program has the infrastructure to remain competitive in a tough conference.
For Garzon, the move represents both a challenge and an opportunity. She will have to quickly integrate into a new system and earn her role in a different environment. However, her talent and experience make her a prime candidate to become an immediate impact player, potentially elevating her new team to championship contention.
As college basketball continues to evolve in the era of the transfer portal and NIL deals, Garzon’s transfer underscores the growing mobility and agency of student-athletes. Her journey will be closely followed not only by IU fans, but by the entire Big Ten, as she prepares to write the next chapter of her impressive basketball career—this time, wearing different colors.