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New York Liberty sign Marissa Coleman

By Ben Dull

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 23: Marissa Coleman #25 of the Indiana Fever handles the ball during the game against the New York Liberty during a WNBA game on August 23, 2017 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 23: Marissa Coleman #25 of the Indiana Fever handles the ball during the game against the New York Liberty during a WNBA game on August 23, 2017 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The New York Liberty have signed nine-year veteran Marissa Coleman. After being waived last week by the Indiana Fever, Coleman was in New York on Tuesday for her first day of training camp with her new team.

“I’m excited to be here and happy to be a part of this organization,” Coleman said in Tuesday’s release. “Having played with [Liberty head coach Katie Smith] for two years in Washington and her being one of my favorite teammates since I’ve been in the league, it’s great to have the opportunity to play and learn from her.

“It’s going to be fun to play with Tina [Charles] and Shavonte [Zellous]. I played with Shavonte for three years in Indiana and we became really good friends. I’m excited to play with her again. I’ve known a lot of these women for a long time whether that was playing against them overseas, here in the WNBA or even in college so I know it’s going to be fun,” Coleman added.

Coleman spent the past four seasons in Indiana, where she made her first All-Star team and helped lead the team to the WNBA Finals in 2015. At 6’1, she’s a strong, versatile guard that has knocked down important shots in big moments. Smith was quick to note the added flexibility she’ll now have in trying out different lineup combinations.

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“Her size makes her very comfortable on the block,” Smith said of Coleman. “She is 6’1 but has played the four in this league. She’s played with a small lineup in Indiana so there will be teams that she’ll match up with, allowing us to go small. For her, that ability will allow her to get on the floor and impact a variety of our lineups. She’ll impact us on both ends of the floor.

“Her position will be a nice mix. She’ll play at the guard spot as well as at the forward position. Some nights may call for her to play more at the four. For her being an experienced veteran, she’ll be able to fit seamlessly regardless of switches. She also gives us the ability to play big guards if we need to. We have some good size at the guard spot now, so we’ll use our options as we go and see how we can use it effectively to get some wins,” Smith added.

The Liberty opened training camp with 23 players under contract, as some will be arriving later on after wrapping up their time playing overseas. With 11 returning players from last year’s team and 2018 first round pick Kia Nurse in the mix, the Liberty will be facing some tough decisions in trimming down their roster to 12 before the start of the regular season.

Next: Liberty announce training camp roster

The Liberty open the regular season May 20 on the road against the Chicago Sky.

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