This Libs Abroad Weekly Roundup is back after the 2023 EuroBasket Qualifiers and the opening of WNBA Free Agency where New York made history after signing 2018 MVP, Breanna Stewart, and No. 3 all-time assist leader, Courtney Vandersloot, on February 8.
According to ESPN, having already acquired 2021 WNBA MVP, Jonquel Jones, the Liberty became the first-ever team to add three WNBA All-Stars from the season prior in the league’s 27-year history.
With a star studded 2023 roster in place, the biggest challenge for Liberty fans will be waiting until May 19 to tip-off the season. In the interim, let’s get you caught up on the roster’s overseas endeavors.
New York native, Breanna Stewart, joined the Liberty after a six-year run with the Seattle Storm where she helped capture two WNBA Championships and earned two Finals MVPs.
In her debut season with Fenerbahçe, Stewart is averaging a combined 21.9 points and 8.1 rebounds per game across nine KBSL and EuroLeague contests. While KBSL games are currently postponed due to the recent earthquake, Fener will prepare for its EuroLeague slate where they currently pace the league with a 10-2 record.
For more information on how you can help those impacted by the earthquake that struck the Turkey (Türkiye) and Syria border, please visit here.
Courtney Vandersloot joined New York after a 12-year tenure with the Chicago Sky where she won the 2021 WNBA Championship, eclipsed numerous franchise records, and became the No. 3 all-time assist leader in WNBA history.
Courtney will reunite with Breanna a few months early as the duo embark on the remaining season with Fenerbahçe, beginning next Wednesday, February 22 at 11 am ET against Valencia Basket and Raquel Carrera.
Last weekend, New York acquired the player rights to 6-4 forward Leonie Fiebich as part of a four-team trade. Fiebich currently plays for Zaragoza in Spain’s LF Endesa and EuroCup where she is averaging 14.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game while knocking down 44.6% (45-101) from three-point range.
Representing Team Germany in the 2023 EuroBasket Qualifiers, Fiebich shined with a team-best 13.2 points and 8.3 boards per game, highlighted by a 30-point outing on Sunday, and helped punch their ticket to the tournament on June 15.
Marine Johannès helped France qualify for EuroBasket 2023 after they swept Lithuania and Finland this past week.
MJ led the way for France on Thursday when she totaled a game-high 21 points and four assists on 44.4% (8-18) from the field. On Sunday, she followed up with a nine-point, four-dime outing where she converted on 50% (3-6) from distance.
Highlights vs. Lithuania | Highlights vs. Finland
Earlier today, Liberty center Han Xu accepted her qualifying offer and re-signed with New York ahead of her third WNBA season.
With the WCBA regular season resumed, she has been busy as of late, headlined by an WCBA All-Star appearance. Han led Sichuan to a perfect 16-0 regular season record, and in the final five contests, averaged 16 points and 7.2 boards per game.
Kayla Thornton has continued her strong play through the month of February.
In the past two contests, she’s totaled near double-doubles of 14 points and nine boards, followed by 19 points and seven rebounds where she shot 61.5% (8-13) from the floor in Southside’s 75-69 win over Bendigo.
Jocelyn Willoughby’s recent slate is highlighted by a 19-point effort when she shot a perfect 100% (8-8) from the free throw line and secured five rebounds across 34 minutes against Townsville.
Sika Koné signed a rookie scale contract with the Liberty on February 10.
Recently, Sika secured her 15th double-double of the season when she tallied 22 points and 14 rebounds on 66.7% (8-12) shooting from the floor.
Yesterday, Raquel Carrera recorded 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists on an efficient 66.7% (6-9) from the floor in Valencia’s 77-62 victory against Girona in LF Endesa play.
Marine Fauthoux also helped France qualify for EuroBasket 2023, securing a pair of wins last week. Prior to the break, Marine netted a season-high 25 points on 50% (7-14) from the field and three-point range (5-10) in Landes’ most recent EuroLeague bout.
| Date | Player(s) | Opponent | |
| Sat, Feb. 18 | Raquel Carrera | Barca CBS | — |
| Sun, Feb. 19 | Jocelyn Willoughby | Melbourne | 1:00 am ET |
| Sun, Feb. 19 | Kayla Thornton | Perth | — |
| Sun, Feb. 19 | Marine Johannès | Flammes | 9:30 am ET |
| Sun, Feb. 19 | Marine Fauthoux | Villeneuve | 9:30 am ET |
| Sun, Feb. 19 | Sika Koné | Girona | — |
| Sun, Feb. 19 | Leonie Fiebich | Cadi La Seu | — |
| Wed, Feb. 22 | Kayla Thornton | Melbourne | — |
| Wed, Feb. 22 | Breanna Stewart/ Courtney Vandersloot vs. Raquel Carerra | — | 11:00 am ET |
| Thu, Feb. 23 | Marine Fauthoux | Sopron | 12:30 am ET |
| Thu, Feb. 23 | Marine Johannès | Angers | 2:00 pm ET |
| Thu, Feb. 23 | Leonie Fiebich | Villeneuve | 2:00 pm ET |
| Fri, Feb. 24 | Jocelyn Willoughby | Adelaide | — |
For more information on Libs Abroad Presented by Withings, including upcoming games, up-to-date statistics/standings, weekly recaps, and monthly player features, please visit nyliberty.com throughout the 2022-23 WNBA off-season.