2003 New York Liberty open practice

Tari sings, ice cream is served, and foolish optimism continues to reign

Because I love you people ever so much, I hauled my baby to the Garden so this report could be fresh. I arrived here at sometime after four. Only a few of the dedicated had arrived. I had words with a couple of folks about which draft Crystal was acquired in. The party started a little after four-thirty, because this is the Garden and everything at the Garden starts late. They gave out ice cream. It was lovely. Chocolate, pistachio, vanilla, and chocolate chip were among the options available. Then they asked us to move up. For a change, they didn’t give me agita because I happen to be a season ticket holder who’s not going to be buying any more bloody tickets, thank you very much. Tari was supposed to show up. She didn’t. VJ, Miko, Spoon, Crystal, Becky, Linda, Lindsey, and the rookie guards were all there- so everyone but Elena, basically, ‘cause Tari might or might not have arrived.

Lindsey and Erin both seem to have a finely honed sense of humor. Kristen seems a little more shy. I somehow suspect that Becky would rather be elsewhere. And it seems that everyone wanted ice cream- Spoon actually mock-yelled at someone for not thinking of her before being told the ice cream was being given out outside. I guess if you’ve got a whole day of practice, ice cream sounds mighty good.

After scoring ink, I retreated to the lobby and set myself down with my laptop. Maddie came by and seemed to approve of the endeavor; our favorite mascot also says hi to y’all. It’s a small crowd so far, but the line is getting longer. The good news is that I don’t recognize a lot of the people; in my mind, that means a lot of new faces are showing up and becoming acquainted with our New York Liberty. *says this last part in announcer voice* Hmmm… a little after five. Supposedly there was a Tari sighting, but she fled immediately after. And now she’s back. This is all very confusing.

My favorite part of this so far has been the role reversal I saw on one Liberty fan- a gentleman in a Tari Phillips jersey. I get a kick out of seeing a guy in a girl’s jersey instead of a girl in a guy’s jersey for a change.

The crowd increased as time ticked closer towards open practice. Not only that, but the casual fans faded away. There were more familiar faces, more people wearing Liberty gear. This is the time when you recognize the devotees. (A random note: the fashion trend definitely seems to be Becky-ward; the vast majority of the stuff I’ve seen today and at the preseason game was #25. Spoon and Sue are distant seconds. Spotted a couple of Tari pieces. No VJ, nor Crystal, nor Miko, nor Kym. Sigh.) (Another random note- was just asked what was going on here by a random guy; he seemed surprised that so many people were here just for a practice. Obviously the Knicks and the Rangers don’t have fans this devoted. Or if they do the devotion is less obvious.)

Practice has begun; the starters are going through their second set of plays. Everyone’s here but Elena. Lindsey’s running with the starters while Tari practices with the second team. Tari doesn’t look like she’s all there, and the new guards are having a little trouble learning the offense. The girls are being even stranger than usual. They had to introduce each other, and Spoon messed around with VJ, of course, and Tari stumbled over Lindsey’s name. Crystal had the queen wave going on; I’m starting to see why her teammates call her the funniest one on the team. Miko’s hair has gone wild a la Chia Pet, but since that’s how she wore it when she dropped 28 on Phoenix, I have no objections. They all look toned and in shape, which is a very nice change. I notice they’re not letting Tari and Lindsey help out with the ballhandling drills. I can’t imagine why. The kids know how to handle, I mean dang! I’m very impressed.

Quote of the day: A kidlet asked Becky what made her want to play basketball. Becky’s sarcastic response: “My height.” She brought the house down.

Someone just asked what Tari’s childhood dream was, and she couldn’t hear. She’s been silly. Then she told us she wants to sing at a sold-out Carnegie Hall. Then she sang “Stand By Me” for us, and everyone was gettin’ their groove on behind her. I love hearing Tari sing. Then there was Liberty triv, which of course was so rigged. After much giveawayness, the girls got their groove on. Linda has some nice footwork! And Becky can groove.

They look really good this year. I mean really, really good. I mean like the Easter n Conference is only a prelude to bigger/better things. Odd years seem to be the best for the Liberty, ya know?