Liberty: Looking Good

I know all the Liberty fans are disappointed with last night's outcome losing to Atlanta. I could nit-pick and say they should have done this or done that, but the fact is they lost to a very good Atlanta Dream team. More importantly, New York came a long way this year so the future is looking very bright in the big city.

At the beginning of the year they were barely a .500 team and really struggled finding their identity with so many new pieces, but by the time August came around they were playing better than anyone. Next year they'll be even better. If there was ever a question how good Cappie Pondexter was- then she answered every critic with resounding performance after resounding performance. She is lethal with the ball in her hands with a quick pull-up jumper, impossible to stop fade-away, and is arguably one of the most creative shot makers in the league. To add to her offensive arsenal she is one of the best defenders in the league and a great leader on the court. As long as she's in a Liberty uniform they will remain a contender for the title.

This offseason will be an important one for the Liberty. Replacing Anne Donovan will be the biggest priority. The good thing is that the front office has known of Donovan's departure for some time now and should already have a short list of candidates for the job.

This off-season, I'd like to see Kalana Greene really improve her offensive and game management skills. Her athleticism and defense could be a big asset next year so here's to hoping she's ready to make the move and contend for a starting position. Essence Carson stepped up big during the playoffs after a relatively quiet regular season. She created shots, made big plays, and was much better on defense than a flat-footed Nicole Powell. Powell had an up and down season. When she was playing well in August the Liberty were near unbeatable-that's how much of a difference she can make. Unfortunately, her contributions have to be more than just standing in the corner making 3's. Leilani Mitchell earned her most improved player, but went quiet in the playoffs. She stopped looking for her shots, but you cannot take away what she meant to this team. Plenette Pierson brought a lot of toughness to the inside game, but her shot selection needs to improve. I'd like to see her draw a double-team and dish the ball than get stuffed. McCarville really improved with her conditioning and Liberty fans will be left wondering what would have been in the playoffs with a healthy McCarville.

The Liberty have a solid core, a bona-fide super star, and will be the team to beat in the East next season.