Latest news with #Brondello
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Liberty felt Jonquel Jones' absence in key area during win over Valkyries
A smiling Jonquel Jones, who sat out with a right hamstring strain, celebrates during the Liberty's 82-77 win over the Valkyries on May 29, 2025. The Liberty's 82-77 win over the Valkyries on Thursday put a spotlight on the importance of Jonquel Jones. Jones, the Liberty's iron woman, was sidelined for the victory for just her second regular-season game since 2023 after soreness in her right hamstring flared up Thursday morning. Advertisement Coach Sandy Brondello said Jones is 'fine,' though the 2024 Finals MVP was ruled out for the game out of an abundance of caution. 'Never want players to play if they're not 100 percent right,' Brondello said before the game. 'So hopefully, they'll be OK tomorrow — got another game.' The Liberty felt Jones' absence. The Liberty averaged the second-most paint points per game (40.5) through their first four games, while the Valkyries rank last in that category with 24 paint points per game. A smiling Jonquel Jones, who sat out with a right hamstring strain, celebrates during the Liberty's 82-77 win over the Valkyries on May 29, 2025. John Jones-Imagn Images On Thursday, though, the Liberty struggled to get into the paint and were outscored in that area 30-18. New York also was outrebounded 41-36. Advertisement '[Jones makes] a huge difference, especially from the rebounding perspective, protecting our rim, and then obviously, she's at least 10 to 20 points on the board for us,' Natasha Cloud said after the win. 'So when you lose your 5 and someone as versatile as JJ — someone that can bring the ball up, shoot 3, trail 3s, play in pick-and-roll, get to the paint, shoot middie — you're losing a lot.' It didn't help that New York's center depth already was thin with Nyara Sabally out for her third consecutive game because of right knee discomfort. Brondello said Sabally had an individual workout Thursday and has been shooting. The third-year center could be back as soon as Friday's game in Washington, according to Brondello. Jonquel Jones (left) and Sabrina Ionescu share a laugh before the Liberty's win over the Valkyries. John Jones-Imagn Images The hope is Jones will be back, too. Advertisement 'I'm not a doctor but the doctor says everything's fine there and just making sure Nyara is feeling good about it, that's the most important thing and not bringing her back too soon,' Brondello said. 'She's getting there. … And hopefully on the flight, nothing goes crazy, and we're hopeful she'll go tomorrow.' Thursday was the second of four games the Liberty are scheduled to play in six days. The Liberty are set to complete their first of two back-to-backs Friday when they play in Washington. Then, they'll turn around and host the Sun at Barclays Center on Sunday. Brondello said she's been 'mindful' to not overload her team, knowing that there's still a long season ahead. Advertisement 'We're building up our conditioning the start of the year,' Brondello said. 'Look, we need to win. We want to win. We don't want to lose a game that we know we're capable of winning. But hopefully, I don't have to go too long of minutes with all of them.' Thursday's tight game meant each starter logged at least 28 minutes.
New York Post
3 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Liberty felt Jonquel Jones' absence in key area during win over Valkyries
The Liberty's 82-77 win over the Valkyries on Thursday put a spotlight on the importance of Jonquel Jones. Jones, the Liberty's iron woman, was sidelined for the victory for just her second regular-season game since 2023 after soreness in her right hamstring flared up Thursday morning. Coach Sandy Brondello said Jones is 'fine,' though the 2024 Finals MVP was ruled out for the game out of an abundance of caution. 'Never want players to play if they're not 100 percent right,' Brondello said before the game. 'So hopefully, they'll be OK tomorrow — got another game.' The Liberty felt Jones' absence. The Liberty averaged the second-most paint points per game (40.5) through their first four games, while the Valkyries rank last in that category with 24 paint points per game. A smiling Jonquel Jones, who sat out with a right hamstring strain, celebrates during the Liberty's 82-77 win over the Valkyries on May 29, 2025. John Jones-Imagn Images On Thursday, though, the Liberty struggled to get into the paint and were outscored in that area 30-18. New York also was outrebounded 41-36. '[Jones makes] a huge difference, especially from the rebounding perspective, protecting our rim, and then obviously, she's at least 10 to 20 points on the board for us,' Natasha Cloud said after the win. 'So when you lose your 5 and someone as versatile as JJ — someone that can bring the ball up, shoot 3, trail 3s, play in pick-and-roll, get to the paint, shoot middie — you're losing a lot.' It didn't help that New York's center depth already was thin with Nyara Sabally out for her third consecutive game because of right knee discomfort. Brondello said Sabally had an individual workout Thursday and has been shooting. The third-year center could be back as soon as Friday's game in Washington, according to Brondello. Jonquel Jones (left) and Sabrina Ionescu share a laugh before the Liberty's win over the Valkyries. John Jones-Imagn Images The hope is Jones will be back, too. 'I'm not a doctor but the doctor says everything's fine there and just making sure Nyara is feeling good about it, that's the most important thing and not bringing her back too soon,' Brondello said. 'She's getting there. … And hopefully on the flight, nothing goes crazy, and we're hopeful she'll go tomorrow.' Thursday was the second of four games the Liberty are scheduled to play in six days. The Liberty are set to complete their first of two back-to-backs Friday when they play in Washington. Then, they'll turn around and host the Sun at Barclays Center on Sunday. Brondello said she's been 'mindful' to not overload her team, knowing that there's still a long season ahead. 'We're building up our conditioning the start of the year,' Brondello said. 'Look, we need to win. We want to win. We don't want to lose a game that we know we're capable of winning. But hopefully, I don't have to go too long of minutes with all of them.' Thursday's tight game meant each starter logged at least 28 minutes.
New York Post
29-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Marine Johannès arrives for first Liberty preseason
French guard Marine Johannès rejoined the Liberty this week after sitting out last year's WNBA season for the Paris Olympics. Johannès was a full participant Tuesday in the Liberty's third day of training camp. While she's preparing for her fourth WNBA season in seven years, this is her first time participating in the Liberty's preseason ramp-up. Advertisement 'We're happy that she's back,' coach Sandy Brondello said after practice. 'We're very excited to continue to integrate her in our team.' It's early, but Brondello said Johannès' reacclimation to the team has gone 'smoothly.' 'We want Marine to come in and be Marine,' Brondello said. 'She's a better player than we saw two years [ago] as well, too. So, excited about that — how she adds another level to what we want to do.' Advertisement Johannès, 30, opted out of last year's title-winning Liberty season as she helped the French women's national team win silver at its home Olympics. Johannès, who played this past offseason in Turkey, last month signed a one-year, minimum deal, worth $66,079. Marine Johannes plays for the New York Liberty during the 2023 WNBA season. Noah K. Murray for the NY Post Advertisement Johannès' return means the return of more flashy no-look passes and her trademark one-legged 3s. She also adds to the guard depth and provides additional floor spacing for the Liberty, and likely will play a pivotal part in the team's hopes of successfully defending its 2024 title. Johannès has started 15 of her 78 WNBA contests, averaging 8.0 points, 2.4 assists and 1.6 rebounds while shooting 43.7 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from deep.
New York Post
29-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
What Liberty newcomers have to say about teammates, franchise resources
Liberty coach Sandy Brondello knew Isabelle Harrison was a special talent more than a decade ago. It's why the Mercury drafted Harrison No. 12 overall in the 2015 draft despite her being sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament tear. A decade later, Brondello is still high on Harrison and says she could play an important role in helping the Liberty defend their 2024 title. 'It's great to have her back here,' Brondello said Monday. 'She can add another level to how we want to play.' Harrison is just as excited about her reunion with Brondello as she is to be with a WNBA team filled with stars. 4 Liberty coach Sandy Brondello works with Isabelle Harrison during training camp at Barclays Center. Michelle Farsi Over the past few days, Harrison couldn't help but to feel inspired as she looked around the Liberty's practice court at Barclays Center. She watches to see what Breanna Stewart is working on by herself and takes notes. She's in awe of Sabrina Ionescu's pursuit to elevate her game and Jonquel Jones' desire to continue proving people wrong. 4 Breanna Stewart speaks to the media at Barclays Center at the start of training camp. Michelle Farsi 'Being around players like Sab and Stewie, it just makes you rethink your game, truly, it pushes you to another level and you can never get comfortable,' Harrison said. 'Being around players like that, you just don't ever get comfortable because they don't do that.' What's also helped Harrison with her transition to Brooklyn is how the Liberty have continued to deliver on everything they promised. Harrison has played for four other WNBA teams, but never has she experienced first-rate support like she has in her first few weeks with the Liberty. Some of the newcomers, including Natasha Cloud, have welcomed the Liberty's organization and regimented schedules. Harrison, though, appreciates the individualized attention to each player and what their specific needs may be. 4 Natasha Cloud (No. 9) looks up court during practice at Barclays Center earlier this week. Michelle Farsi She likes that there's no shortage of time on the training tables, which wasn't always the case at other teams. When she walks off the court after workouts, she's handed a protein smoothie made to her liking. 'You're just not spending your mental energy on what is the right way to do things,' Harrison said. 'There's people hired to do those things so you don't have to do more than what you should be doing. I'm here to play basketball … I feel appreciated and valued.' Imagine how she'll feel when the Liberty open their $80 million practice facility in 2027. 'Jonathan [Kolb], the GM, he just puts it in the best words. He was like, 'You guys just worry about basketball and then we'll worry about everything else,'' Harrison said. 'And I think this is the first place where I have truly not only heard that, but seen it.' 4 Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb smiles while on stage during the Deep Blue Business of Women's Sport Summit in April. Getty Images Not every franchise has the resources the Liberty can provide. With other teams, Harrison said she did 'different jobs that were not my job.' The disparity between the haves and have-nots has impacted free agency. Knowing the reputation the Liberty have earned since Joe and Clara Wu Tsai bought the team in 2019 made Harrison's decision to come to New York an easy one. 'When [Brondello] asked if I was interested in New York, I was like, 'Hell yeah,'' Harrison said. 'I didn't hesitate coming here.' Harrison is coming off a trying season with the Sky, who fired their head coach, former Liberty star Teresa Weatherspoon, after one season. Harrison, who had knee surgery in 2023, didn't feel like she was quite 100 percent. Two days into training camp, though, Harrison said she feels like she's back at full strength and is gearing up for what could be a big season. 'Mentally I'm in the best head space that I've been in a while honestly,' Harrison said. 'Being here and just seeing everybody want to genuinely be here, it's not like a fake smile anyone puts on. People really care to be here. … It just lets you know people enjoy what they do and that makes it easier for me to come in and do that as well.'
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Washington Wizards assistant Caporn hired as Australia's men's basketball coach
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Washington Wizards assistant Adam Caporn will take hemisphere-hopping to a new level after being hired as head coach of the Australian men's basketball team. Basketball Australia on Thursday said Caporn would continue his coaching duties with the NBA's Wizards and that Dean Vickerman of the National Basketball League's Melbourne United has been appointed to a new role as Boomers associate head coach. Vickerman will take over the head coaching responsibilities if there's a clash with Caporn's NBA schedule. The 42-year-old Western Australia-born Caporn was head coach of Basketball Australia's center of excellence at the Australian Institute of Sport from 2014-21 and has also worked in the U.S. as head coach of the G-League's Long Island Nets and as an assistant at the NBA's Brooklyn Nets. Caporn also was formerly a coach at St. Mary's College in California. Caporn worked under previous Boomers coaches Andrej Lemanis and Brian Goorjian at the last four major tournaments, helping Australia to an Olympic bronze medal in Tokyo in 2021. Australia lost in overtime to Serbia in the quarterfinals at the Paris Games last year and Goorjian left the national team soon after. 'It is an incredible honor to be part of the Boomers program. To step into the role of head coach is truly a dream come true,' Caporn said in a statement. 'I want to extend a special thankyou to Andrej Lemanis and Brian Goorjian for bringing me into the Boomers coaching staff — your mentorship and contributions to this program have been truly inspiring." Australia also has a similar setup with its national women's coach, Sandy Brondello. Last month, Basketball Australia said Brondello would continue as coach of the Opals until the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, extending her involvement with the national women's team to a seventh Olympics. Brondello, who guided the Opals to an Olympic bronze medal in Paris last year, helped the New York Liberty win the WNBA title in October. Basketball Australia also hired an associate head coach to lead the program while Brondello has WNBA commitments in New York. Basketball Australia said it conducted an extensive selection process over the last six months before hiring Caporn, consulting with a panel of specialists that included former NBA star and Boomers player Andrew Bogut. On Wednesday, Bogut was appointed as an assistant to Goojian, who now coaches the Sydney Kings in Australia's NBL. ___ AP sports: Dennis Passa, The Associated Press
