The New York Liberty formally introduced new Team President Isiah Thomas at its 2015 Media Day on Thursday afternoon at MSG Training Center in Greenburgh, N.Y.
Thomas, a Naismith Hall of Fame member who was named Team President on May 5, addressed the New York and national media for the first time as Liberty president, speaking in front of a packed press room in the New York Liberty player lounge as team players and coaches looked on.
Thomas lauded the women’s game, and shared his enthusiasm about the roster the Liberty have put together for what is sure to be an exciting 2015 season.
“I hope you enjoyed practice and saw what I’m so excited about,” said Thomas. “Our players are excited about the season. I think the WNBA is emerging and growing. Right now, this sport has a chance to explode in this country.”
Members of the media observed the the final 20 minutes of Liberty practice before taking time to talk with third-year head coach Bill Laimbeer, his staff, including assistant coaches Herb Williams and Katie Smith, and Director of Player Development Teresa Weatherspoon.
“I think this is a playoff team,” said center Tina Charles, who is ready to start her second year with the Liberty. “The culture is different. The people that we have brought in here, like Tanisha Wright, who has won championships, Epiphanny Prince was in the finals last year, so there are a lot of experienced players here. And we have a lot of other players that are just hungry to get back to where we know the New York Liberty should be.”
Afterwards, the 2015 New York Liberty came out to the practice court for interviews and photos, before finalizing preparations for the first preseason game of the year.
New York will face the Chicago Sky at the University of Delaware on Friday, May 22, at 7:30 p.m. The game will not be televised, but will be broadcast on WDSD-FM, and on the iHeartRadio app.