LAS VEGAS — Jonathan Kolb, the general manager of the New York Liberty, was named the 2023 WNBA Executive of the Year for his efforts in recruiting Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart, and Courtney Vandersloot to the team. However, Kolb insists that his hardest work came in signing Betnijah Laney in 2021.
Despite coming off a dismal 2-20 season, the Liberty saw Laney as their top priority due to her stellar performance as the 2020 Most Improved Player with the Atlanta Dream. They believed she would be a great complement to guard Sabrina Ionescu, their No.1 overall pick in 2020.
“Laney really bought into our vision during our conversations, even after a two-win season,” Kolb told ESPN. “We knew she would be a great addition to the team, especially when we looked at future free agent classes.”
Laney’s signing in 2021 had an immediate impact. While the attention has been on the Liberty’s new additions this season, Laney has been the X-factor in their playoff run, leading them to their first Finals since 2002. To win the championship, the Liberty will need Laney to continue her exceptional play on both ends of the court.
“Laney has been amazing for them. I don’t know where they’re at without Laney,” said Aces coach Becky Hammon. “I mean, I’m a fan.”
Laney’s offensive game exploded in 2020 after a slow start to her pro career. She established herself as a dominant defender in college but struggled to find her offensive rhythm until her breakout season with Atlanta. When Laney signed with New York, she saw it as an organization that took care of its players and a franchise on the rise. In 2021, she led the team in scoring and earned her first WNBA All-Star bid.
Laney’s role changed this season with the arrival of superstar players. The Liberty worked with her to adjust her shot profile, emphasizing efficient shots like corner 3s and posting up smaller guards. While she still plays a vital role in initiating offense, the team doesn’t solely rely on her to have the ball in her hands.
Laney’s offensive efficiency is at an all-time high, shooting nearly 50% from the field in the regular season. Her scoring has been crucial in the playoffs, where she’s the team’s third-highest scorer, just behind Jones.
But it’s not just her offense that makes Laney valuable. Her intangibles, including her motor, communication on the court, ability to make big shots, and defensive prowess, have been instrumental in the team’s success. She sets the tone on defense, often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s point guard, such as Chelsea Gray in the Finals.
“Laney is the heart of our team,” said Kolb. “Her grit and toughness are essential as we look to overcome our 1-0 Finals deficit.”
Fortunately for the Liberty, Laney is ready to bounce back and lead them to victory.
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