Pauline Astier Prepares for WNBA Rookie Season with New York Liberty

Last month, Pauline Astier met with Kristen Mann, Liberty’s new player development coach, as part of her preparation for the upcoming WNBA training camp.

The two have known each other for about six years. Astier was just 19 when they were teammates at Tango Bourges Basket in France.

This connection brings some reassurance to Astier as she gears up for her WNBA debut.

“If I have a question, I can just ask anyone, but it’s easier for me to talk to her,” Astier explained on Friday. “She knows me really well, so it feels very comfortable.” She added that Mann reassured her, saying, “Don’t worry, it’s fine.” Astier expressed her gratitude, saying, “Yeah, I’m glad she’s here.”

At 24, Astier is viewed as one of Europe’s top guards. Coach Chris DeMarco highlighted her skills as a strong pick-and-roll player and a highly competitive athlete with significant potential.

As for free agency, Astier had options available, including interest from the Connecticut Sun, Indiana Fever, Minnesota Lynx, Washington Mystics, and Toronto Tempo. However, when the New York opportunity came up, she felt it was a clear choice.

She referred to the call from New York as “a really big deal,” sharing, “[That was] something really big for me.”

Astier signed a rookie minimum one-year contract valued at $270,000 and arrived in New York earlier this week, quickly impressing her new teammates.

Sabrina Ionescu spoke highly of Astier’s quick adaptation to DeMarco’s system. “Today was her second day, and she probably stood out more than anyone else,” Ionescu noted. “Her ability to adapt is remarkable. Some of us have been doing this for a week and a half and still don’t know where to go. She just comes in, and within two days, she appears to know how to direct the play.”

The Liberty are optimistic about the injection of youth Astier brings to their guard lineup. While there may be a transition period as she adjusts to the WNBA, the organization believes in her potential.

“The national team trusts her with the ball, and we will too,” DeMarco remarked. “I really have confidence in her abilities. She reads the floor well, and she’s eager to create defensive pressure. She’s also shown she can shoot effectively. We’ll see how her development goes; she’s certainly playing at a high level.”

Astier plays a traditional point guard role, exhibiting strong passing skills, which Ionescu recognized on Friday.

“I’m really excited,” Ionescu said. “The sky’s the limit for her. I’m trying to figure out how to play with her little by little… It’s exciting to see how she grows. I believe everyone will appreciate her unique playstyle, as it fits perfectly with what we aim to do.”

Despite her enthusiasm, Astier acknowledged the new environment’s challenges, saying, “It’s going to be tough at first, but I think it’s going to be really good because I like playing fast, pushing the ball, and transitioning quickly. So, I think it’s going to work out well.”

Astier recently spent part of her holiday sightseeing with fellow French player Marine Johannes in Times Square, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

The lively pace of the city and the Liberty’s championship ambitions were key reasons she chose New York. “I’m very happy,” Astier said, sharing that it’s her first time in the city.