NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — When the New York Liberty open the regular season May 25 in Connecticut, you might not recognize them.
They have a new coach, many new players, and perhaps more, important, a new outlook on the game they love.
Coach and general manager Bill Laimbeer, in his first season with Liberty, has brought a defense-first approach to a team that went 15-19 last season. And to help matters, he drafted several players who should help balance a lineup that still includes All-Star guard Cappie Pondexter.
It’s hard to argue with his success, and Laimbeer is intent on changing the culture around the franchise. He brings an impressive resume with him. With the Detroit Shock, Laimbeer made six consecutive playoff appearances and won three league titles. He was with Detroit for eight seasons.
