NEW YORK, NY – May 1, 2018 – The New York Liberty announced today it has signed nine-year WNBA veteran, guard-forward Marissa Coleman. Coleman and head coach, Katie Smith, give their takes on the Liberty’s newest signing.
Smith’s opening statement…
“Marissa Coleman will bring experience and leadership, in addition to familiarity with our players and our staff. She’s skilled, has good size, can shoot it, post up and will give us some versatility. Her size will allow her to get on the floor at certain times and allow us to play with lineups-scoring lineups, small lineups-both for our offensive purposes but also to match up with teams on the defensive end. We’re really looking for her to make an impact in a variety of ways and I know she’s excited.”
Smith on Coleman’s versatility…
“Her size makes her very comfortable on the block. She is 6’1 but has played the four in this league. She’s played with a small lineup in Indiana so there will be teams that she’ll match up with, allowing us to go small. For her, that ability will allow her to get on the floor and impact a variety of our lineups. She’ll impact us on both ends of the floor.”
Smith on Coleman’s hybrid position…
“Her position will be a nice mix. She’ll play at the guard spot as well as at the forward position. Some nights may call for her to play more at the four. For her being an experienced veteran, she’ll be able to fit seamlessly regardless of switches. She also gives us the ability to play big guards if we need to. We have some good size at the guard spot now, so we’ll use our options as we go and see how we can use it effectively to get some wins.”
Smith on Coleman’s leadership…
“As a group, Coleman, Shavonte Zellous, Epiphanny Prince, Sugar Rodgers and Tina Charles, provide a range of experience and knowledge about the game and our league. Marissa has played with Tamika Catchings and other esteemed players and she’ll be able to constantly impart her knowledge. The best thing Marissa will do is show up every day and go to work in how she approaches the game, takes care of her body, the way she comes to practice mentally and physically ready. She will lead by example in how we do business.”
Smith on Coleman’s defense…
“She’s a smart defender. She likes to rebound and takes advantages of her mismatches when she has that size advantage. She is someone that plays the whole game. She loves to rebound, loves to get out and can shoot it. She’s going to be somebody that fills in wherever need be and find that niche. We will find places for her to also be effective. She’s going to come in and do a lot of little things for us.”
Coleman on joining New York…
“I’m excited to be here and happy to be a part of this organization. Having played with Katie for two years in Washington and her being one of my favorite teammates since I’ve been in the league, it’s great to have the opportunity to play and learn from her.”
Coleman on first day of Training Camp…
“It was good! The first day is always interesting, have to get my legs up under me. But it’s good to be back in the team setting and around some familiar faces.”
Coleman on being in New York…
“It’s fun! It’s close to home for me. I’m from Maryland so to be only a few hours away from my family, its good knowing they’ll have an easier time watching me play. It’s really exciting for me.”
Coleman on teammates…
“It’s going to be fun to play with Tina and Shavonte. I played with Shavonte for three years in Indiana and we became really good friends. I’m excited to play with her again. I’ve known a lot of these women for a long time whether that was playing against them overseas, here in the WNBA or even in college so I know it’s going to be fun!”