NEW YORK, NY – MAY 2, 2016 – The New York Liberty has acquired All-Star point guard Shoni Schimmel from the Atlanta Dream in exchange for its 2017 second round draft pick, Team President Isiah Thomas announced today.
Schimmel, a 2014 WNBA First Round pick (No. 8 overall), two-time WNBA All-Star, and the Most Valuable Player of the 2014 All-Star Game, is a 3-point shooting threat and strong distributer of the basketball. In two WNBA seasons she has career averages of 8.0 ppg, 3.4 apg, and 1.5 3-pointers per game.
“Shoni Schimmel has demonstrated she can shine on a big stage, and I am confident that with the leadership on our coaching staff and on our team she will thrive as a member of the New York Liberty playing at Madison Square Garden,” said Thomas. “Shoni is good fit for our style of play. Her long-range shooting will really allow us to spread the floor on the offensive end. She takes pride in giving back to the community and she shares the same core values we look for in every member of our team.”
During her rookie season in 2014, Schimmel appeared in 34 games, starting twice, while averaging 8.3 ppg and 3.6 apg. She followed that up with a 2015 campaign that saw her shoot 38.3 percent from 3-point range, averaging 7.6 ppg and 3.2 apg.
Schimmel scored a career-high 24 points against the Phoenix Mercury on August 13, 2014, and has hit five 3-pointers in a game on three occasions.
The Liberty’s historic 20th WNBA season opens on Saturday, May 14, when it will travel to Washington, D.C., to face the Washington Mystics at 7 p.m. New York’s home opener at Madison Square Garden, presented by Kia Motors, will be on Sunday, May 15, against the Dallas Wings at 5 p.m.
New York Liberty single-game tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, online at NYLiberty.com, and Ticketmaster.com/NYLiberty. Season ticket packages are available by calling 212-465-6073 or by visiting NYLiberty.com.