GREENBURGH, N.Y. -- The rebuilding is over for the New York Liberty. Now, they're looking to gain some experience and become one of the WNBA's elite teams again.
After reaching the finals in four of the league's first six years, the Liberty missed the postseason twice while winning just one playoff series during the last five years. However, after a franchise-worst 11-23 mark two years ago, New York had a five-game improvement last year and nearly beat then-defending champion Detroit in the first round.
"We want to continue to progress and build on what's happened the past two years," coach Pat Coyle said. "Last year we did have success. We're still really young. ... With this group we have a good foundation. This team is going to grow together."
In 2006, the Liberty were without four starters from the previous season and finished with the second losing record in franchise history. New York then bolstered its frontcourt by drafting forward Tiffany Jackson with the fifth pick, and acquiring center Jessica Davenport -- the second overall pick -- in a draft-day trade that sent All-Star guard Becky Hammon to San Antonio.
The Liberty also added Janel McCarville in the Charlotte Sting dispersal draft and she developed into a strong presence in the middle. McCarville averaged 10.4 points and 4.8 rebounds in 32 games -- including 14.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 28.4 minutes while starting New York's final 21 games -- and earned the league's Most Improved Player Award.
The Liberty won six of their last nine games last year to earn a playoff berth on the last day of the season. New York then opened the first round with a 22-point win at home against the Shock, before losing Game 2 by three points and Game 3 by one in overtime.
"We ended the season really well, having to win those games to get into the playoffs," guard Erin Thorn said. "And then played well against Detroit, just a shot or two short from being in the next round. We're looking to continue that and continue to develop as a team."
Liberty president and general manager Carol Blazejowski believes the team has a good core group that she hopes will return the franchise to the success it enjoyed during the league's early days.
"I see the blue-collar mentality of this group like I did the Liberty of old," Blazejowski said. "I see the competitive spirit of a lot of these players that I did of years ago. Different day, different age, different athleticism and player, but it's those intangibles that get you closer to the championship.
"All in all, I feel very good about the progress we've made with rebuilding our franchise."
New York returns its starting five, with Thorn, McCarville, point guard Loree Moore and forwards Shameka Christon and Cathrine Kraayeveld. Also key reserves Davenport, Jackson, Ashley Battle and Lisa Willis are back.
"We have a lot of the same people and that's great," Kraayeveld said. "It's always nice to build that chemistry and continue to build on what we had last year."
This year, New York selected Rutgers guard Essence Carson with the seventh pick in the draft, and then took North Carolina forward Erlana Larkins with the 14th and final pick of the first round.
The 6-foot Carson averaged 10.4 points and 5.1 rebounds as a senior for the Scarlet Knights, and was selected the Big East defensive player of the year for the third time. Larkins, a 6-1 forward, averaged 13.5 points and 9.5 rebounds for the Tar Heels as a senior.
McCarville, Moore, Christon, Battle and guard Shay Doron are still playing overseas and are expect to join the team at various times during training camp before the season opener.
The Liberty face the Washington Mystics in a preseason game at Madison Square Garden on May 8, and will open the regular season at home against the Connecticut Sun on May 18.
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