Liberty Shake up the Draft, Provide Peek into the Future

from Marca.com
Anna Cruz was traded by the Liberty at the WNBA draft this week

The New York Liberty continued to stay busy remodeling its team. Head Coach Bill Laimbeer and Senior VP of Business and Basketball Operations, Kristin Bernert, exclamations of building not just for now but for something lasting were fulfilled last night at the WNBA 2015 Draft. “It was an outstanding draft for us.” said Bernert. “We are thrilled with both picks.” added Laimbeer.

The Liberty got five players, but the move that was the loudest was the trades of Alex Montgomery to San Antonio for the number nine overall pick. They picked California guard Brittany Boyd. Boyd is a smaller guard but quick at the point and has quick hands and resembles somewhat a smaller version of Cappie Pondexter in style. “We were surprised Boyd was still available,” Laimbeer said, “She was an obvious choice; she enhances our ability to attack the basket. She can really fill up a stats sheet.” Anna Cruz was the other piece used to secure the 11th pick with a trade to Minnesota.

New York used that pick to secure 6-3 center Kiah Stokes from the 2015 NCAA Women’s Champion Connecticut Huskies. This move screams of possible pending actions as the Liberty already have Tina Charles installed at that position. But the move makes sense for the years to come and also provides another asset. “Our objective in moving up in the draft was specifically to acquire Kiah.,”Laimbeer admitted, “Her athleticism, length, and basketball IQ are the collective characteristics of where the New York Liberty are headed.”

Alex Montgomery had spent the last four years in New York and seemed on the verge of good things. Anna Cruz, from Spain, gave alot of energy in the backcourt. However, one thing the Liberty are not doing is standing still. They are not leaving any stones unturned. “We thank Alex and Anna for their contributions to our team on and off the court.” Bernert shared.

They have replaced three of their starting five from last year and gotten younger, more athletic, and more flexible.

Don’t turn your head when it comes to the Liberty because its still a while before opening day.

The Liberty also selected guards Amber Orrange from Stanford and Laurin Mincy from Maryland, along with forward Michala Johnson from Wisconsin. “All of the players we selected today are people of quality character and fill positions on our roster.” Bernert informed.