Liberty Focuses on Patience and Building a Championship Contender

Liberty is attempting to set realistic expectations as the new season approaches.

And honestly, that seems wise.

With Chris DeMarco stepping in as head coach, New York has revamped its coaching staff entirely. Some important players are still away after playing overseas, which led DeMarco to take a hard look at the offensive line that had issues last season and to implement fresh defensive strategies.

Consequently, general manager Jonathan Kolb is opting for a cautious approach, avoiding risks for the time being.

“It’s going to take time, and I think it’s important to be patient with the process,” Kolb mentioned recently. “But we know what our objectives are: we’re here to win a championship.”

Still, on a team loaded with talent like Liberty, patience can be challenging.

Five pivotal players from the 2024 championship roster, including Sabrina Ionescu, Brianna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Leonie Fievich, are set to return. Bethnia Rainey Hamilton has expressed that she feels healthier now than during the championship run.

An exciting addition is Sato Sabally, a free agent who was brought in as yet another All-Star.

On paper, the team appears to boast one of the strongest rosters in the league. They have depth across every position, which should provide a buffer against injuries. The team exhibits length, size, and versatility, all key elements for success.

There’s no reason New York can’t aim for a title this fall.

But where do they stand today? Liberty is still in the early phase of assembling its competitive structure.

“We have a lot of talent,” Kolb stated. “Talent can win games, but building a connection is vital. We want our players to sync on the court. Implementing a new system demands time for development. The voices of the players will play a significant role moving forward. We aim for a point where their chemistry becomes second nature.”

During his preseason remarks last year, Kolb discussed his aspiration for Liberty to become an “iconic” franchise, consistently in title contention.

This year, though, Kolb is prioritizing the present, placing complete trust in DeMarco—even if that means accepting the need for some delays in enjoyment.

“The main focus for Chris is not to rush through the process. He emphasizes that players need to master the basics before moving on,” Kolb explained. “If the game becomes too cluttered, nothing gets mastered. For us, clarity and simplicity are key. That’s the approach we’ve adopted.”

Moreover, this is a performance stage for DeMarco and his team. Kolb is keen on empowering them, believing in their capabilities.

Last season, Liberty kicked off with a remarkable 9-0 record, but injuries soon plagued the squad, making it difficult to establish consistency. Ultimately, New York faced elimination in the first round of the playoffs.

So, is that the baseline for this year’s squad?

“Perhaps,” Kolb replied. “I see a talented team here, but the potential could be much higher. We’re genuinely eager to tap into that potential.”