NEW YORK, NY – February 7, 2017 – The New York Liberty has re-signed restricted free agent guard Sugar Rodgers and reserve forward Rebecca Allen, Team President Isiah Thomas announced Tuesday. Per team policy, the terms of the agreements were not disclosed.
Additionally, the Liberty announced that 2016 3rd Round draft pick guard Shacobia Barbee and free agent forward Cierra Burdick have signed training camp contracts.
“We are thrilled to have Sugar sign back up with the Liberty,” said New York Liberty head coach Bill Laimbeer. “She has proven to be a quality teammate, and a leader in our franchise’s community efforts. The amount of extra work Sugar has put in towards improving her game cannot be overstated, and led directly to her breakout season last year. She is an example for all players about what can be achieved when they are dedicated to their craft.
“I’m looking forward to finally having Allen with us for a whole season,” said Laimbeer. “Last year, she came in and showed flashes of what she is capable of, and has demonstrated the ability to be a consistent contributor in this league.”
Rodgers is coming off a season in which she posted career highs in every major statistical category, and finished third in the WNBA’s Most Improved Player balloting. She averaged 14.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.0 steals per game, and broke the Liberty single-season record with 86 3-pointers, which ranked 2nd in the league.
Rodgers’ scoring average was 14th in the WNBA, and she recorded seven 20-point games, including a career-high 30 in a win at Minnesota, where she tied the franchise single-game record with 7 made threes.
Allen returns for her 3rd season in New York, after enjoying a successful sophomore campaign last year where she emerged as a consistent 3-point threat. After joining the team in late June, Allen averaged 5.7 ppg, and scored in double figures five times over the final 13 games of the season. She shot .567 from 3-point range, knocking down a career-best 4 3-pointers in a win over the Mystics in late July.
2017 New York Liberty Loyal season ticket packages starting at just $360 are on sale now, and include premium benefits, an enhanced in-arena experience at Madison Square Garden, and access to exclusive events featuring Liberty players and coaches. Liberty Loyal season ticket memberships are available by calling 212-465-6080 or visiting NYLiberty.com.
The 2017 New York Liberty season tips off at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, May 13, against the San Antonio Stars.