Liberty Waive McKinney and Orrange

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The New York Liberty continued to pare down the roster as they approach the season opener next Friday, June 5. Kristin Bernert, Senior VP for Business and Basketball Operations and Head Coach Bill Laimbeer  announced two players waived would be second round pick, Amber Orrange, a guard out of Stanford and second year center, Shanece McKinney out of LSU.

These waivers are not really a surprise as the Liberty depth at guard and center really didn’t leave much room for error. The moves were in order as Orrange played roughly seven minutes in the two pre-season games she entered. With Epiphanny Prince, Tanisha Wright, Rebecca Allen, Brittany Boyd, and Sugar Rodgers, it was a tall order for the former three-time All-Pac 10 selection.

McKinney, had a shot though as she made 24 appearances last year as the backup to Tina Charles. She even started one of the two pre-season games she played. But the play of Kiah Stokes and veteran free agent pick-up Swords left McKinney the odd one out.

“I want to thank Amber and Shanece for all of the hard work they put forth in training camp,” Laimbeer said.

The Liberty are without Epiphanny Prince for a month due to overseas commitments, but with Wright showing good leadership at the point and the good play of its younger draftees, Laimbeer is liking what he sees thus far.

“I am excited about the team we are putting together , as we continue to prepare for opening night against Atlanta next Friday,” said Laimbeer.