The first week of training camp is in the books for the New York Liberty. This year’s training camp roster is deep with versatile players able to move up and down positionally on both sides of the ball. The starting five of Courtney Vandersloot, Sabrina Ionescu, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones are all returning for another shot at bringing the New York Liberty its 1st ever WNBA title. This year seems much different from last year because it is clear the team is not one and done, with players like JJ, Sabrina, Betnijah, and Kayla Thornton on multiyear deals through 2025. We saw GM, Jonathon Kolb, put emphasis on defense first with the acquisitions made in the offseason and WNBA draft.
The blend of seasoned veterans and fresh talent is creating a dynamic and competitive training environment. The collective goal is firmly set on excellence, pushing each other towards the pinnacle of their potential. This strategic mix is designed to evolve the team into a formidable force that can challenge the status quo of the league.
We got our first look at the 2024 rookies, No. 11 overall pick Marquesha Davis from Ole Miss, No. 17 overall pick and 1st Dominican-born player to be drafted to the WNBA, Esmery Martinez, and No. 23 overall pick Jessika Carter from Mississippi State. In her first week of training camp, Marquesha Davis has really caught the attention of the team with her dynamic play, ability to defend, go downhill, her midrange game, and ball handle.
Marquesha is such a special talent and seems to be getting more comfortable day by day at practice. Highlights circulating online of her play have brought comparisons of Mercury guard, former finals MVP, Kahleah Copper. When asked what she is looking to bring to the team, Marquesha says, “I’m looking to bring my offense, but defensively to be a dog, to be able to get stops when the game is on the line.” She is equipped with the skill set to be a really special player in this league.
These rookies are not just here to fill numbers; they are here to construct narratives, break barriers, and contribute to the team's journey towards a championship. Their raw energy, ambition, and undeniable talent have infused the team with a rejuvenating spirit.
Esmery Martinez has taken Liberty fans by storm as the 1st Dominican-born player to be drafted to the WNBA. Martinez does it all, from her ability to defend multiple positions, her elite passing ability, and ball handle at the forward position makes her a Swiss Army knife. She is often described as the ultimate team player. When asked what she is looking to show the team at training camp, her response is, “I want Coach to see everything. I can do everything, to be honest.”
We asked the elder stateswoman of the team, Courtney Vandersloot, to share her thoughts on Esmery, and she said, “I love the way she plays & competes. You can tell she was coached & she knows how to play the game. Plays hard, made some mistakes but knows she is learning.” Martinez has good size and versatility and can really impact the game a lot.
On Saturday, May 4, the New York Liberty hosted an open practice for season ticket holders that turned out to be a huge success. Over 2,000 fans in attendance to see the team for the first time since losing in the finals. The fans have been patiently waiting for the 2024 season and another shot at the WNBA Finals. The chants of “Let’s go, Liberty” echoed the halls as we played our part in fan engagement. The atmosphere around the team is truly exciting.
The Liberty open practice consisted of warmups, skills training, scrimmages, and they ended with a half-court shot competition that the MVP, Stewie, won. Following practice was a live Q&A with Fox 5’s Tina Cervasio and the starting 5 for the fans in attendance.
This open practice was more than just an event; it was a testament to the strong community and unwavering support that surrounds the New York Liberty. It's this unique bond between the team and its fans that serves as a constant source of motivation.
The atmosphere surrounding the team is electric, and the Liberty are ready for the challenges ahead with the complex WNBA season that will consist of stoppage for Olympic play.
The team will get its first preseason action this Tuesday, May 7, in Chicago, where they will take on Angel Reese and Camila Cardoso. Originally, the game was not going to be aired but after the debacle that happened in Chicago’s first preseason game where a fan had to stream live for fans to watch, the WNBA decided to join the party and make the game available on the WNBA app. Thursday, May 9, we will see the Liberty take on the Sun in Connecticut in their last preseason game before the regular-season start on May 14.
As the Liberty forge ahead, the combination of seasoned insight and rookie ambition in their ranks sets the stage for a compelling narrative this season. The unity and shared conviction of turning dreams into reality could very well culminate in the capturing of their first WNBA title. The journey is demanding, yet the Liberty's squad, equipped with talent, tenacity, and the spirit of New York, is more than ready to face whatever lies ahead.
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