Freedom Aims for Lasting Impact in WNBA
Freedom isn’t content with just a single triumph; they’re looking to build a legacy, to be recognized as one of the top franchises in the league. Their previous season’s success—winning the championship—was just the start, emphasized by General Manager Jonathan Kolb.
“I want this franchise to become a legacy franchise,” Kolb stated. “We aim to be iconic, and that only happens with consistent victories.”
Now, new challenges lie ahead as they attempt to defend their title. Winning isn’t easy. Kolb notes, “It’s tough to win in this league. Just look around—there are so many good teams. When an opportunity arises, it’s crucial to seize it.”
In the spirit of improvement, Freedom pinpointed Natasha Cloud as a valuable asset. Known for her two-way capabilities, she could pair well with Sabrina Ionescu, enhancing their backcourt.
Initially, Freedom didn’t expect to acquire Cloud this offseason. However, following a four-team trade involving the Phoenix Mercury, Kolb quickly reassessed and made his move. It took two second-round picks, including this year’s seventh overall selection, to bring her to New York, but Kolb considers her integral to their plans moving forward.
Alongside Cloud, the roster has also welcomed back Marine Johannes and Kennedy Burke, while adding Rebekah Gardner to the mix. “We’ve assembled a deep roster that looks promising, particularly defensively,” Kolb remarked.
However, he recognizes that there’s considerable work needed in training camp as the new season approaches. After all, the road to another championship is rarely straightforward.
Last season’s title victory came through a gritty five-game series against the Minnesota Lynx. Reflecting on their goals, Kolb said, “We’re building on what we established last year, focusing on our strengths. We value versatility, two-way play, and shooting. I’m eager to see how Cloud can help us unlock new combinations.”
In preparation, Liberty is set to face the Sun in their preseason opener on Friday, then head to Oregon to play against the Toyota Antelope from the Women’s Japanese Basketball League on May 12.
The official season kicks off on May 17 with a rematch against the Las Vegas Aces, where the team will also celebrate their previous season’s accomplishments by unveiling the championship rings.
As they look to reclaim their spot atop the WNBA, Kolb emphasized that the focus on winning is now a daily mission grounded in consistent habits both on and off the court.
