Nothing Mystical About This Pre-Season Opener

by: John J. Buro | Senior Writer - NY Sports Day | Friday, May 9, 2008



NEW YORK - The pre-season is a time to become acclimated to players, and to see how certain players react in game conditions. Specifically, the inexperienced players, many of whom hunger for more court time. It is not a time to reflect on the won-loss record, or any silly statistic, which will have relevance at a later date.

Thus, when two of a team’s better players are not even present, there will be something missing. And, that is the first dilemma that Pat Coyle encounters this season. The New York Liberty coach, now in her fifth season, was without Janel McCarville and Loree Moore for the matinee against the Washington Mystics but, given its lack of importance, didn’t fret too much.

“We have the bulk of our players coming back,” noted Coyle, “and we have added solid pieces to the mix. Last year was last year; this is a totally different team. It will be interesting to see how quickly we can [gel] together.”

The two teams, each 16-18 in 2007, played a game indicative of such parity. In the end, Washington prevailed, 58-52, at the Garden before an announced crowd of 12,983, which was largely comprised of children relishing an 11:00 a.m. field trip.

“We’re ahead of where we were two weeks ago, but not where we need to be for opening day. But, the expectation for this organization, every year, is to win a championship.”

McCarville and Moore, rising stars in the WNBA, were fulfilling their respective overseas commitments, but should be in the line-up when New York, a charter member of the league, opens their 12th season on May 18 against the Connecticut Sun at MSG.

Still, even that game will pale in comparison to what observers have dubbed the “event of the regular season”. The first outdoor game in WNBA history, featuring the Liberty and Indiana Fever, is slated for July 19 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The tip-off will coincide with a particular soccer match at Giants Stadium between the Red Bulls and LA Galaxy, which will likely feature a visit from international star David Beckham.

On this morning, the first points were contested, until New York’s Lindsay Bowen hit a 10’ shot three minutes into the exhibition. From there, however, the Liberty –behind the triumvirate of Lisa Willis, Essence Carson and Erlana Larkins- forged to a 33-25 halftime lead.

“On this team,” added Shameka Christon, a four-year veteran, “there is no one player to focus on. Not having a marquee player has helped us. More people will be able to get the job done.”

Willis, traded for Sheril Baker on June 20, 2007, is one of its returning players. Carson, out of Rutgers, was the seventh overall pick in the April draft, and Larkins was selected at No. 14. The trio combined for exactly half of New York’s points.

“I feel comfortable with everyone,” said Carson, who was playing inside Madison Square Garden for just the second time in her basketball career. “We just have to work hard in practice, and do the little things [to win].”

The Mystics won despite not having a player score in double-figure points. Alana Beard and Monique Currie led with nine points, and Andrea Gardner pulled in 11 rebounds.