Liberty facing a world of change

The last couple of seasons have brought about a lot of change for the Liberty. Several more major changes are expected soon.

Much of the Liberty's roster was overhauled at the end of the 2009 season, which included the trading of fan favorites Shameka Christon and Cathrine Kraayeveld. The result was a 4-7 start.

But the Liberty turned things around, thanks in large part to the play of prized acquisition Cappie Pondexter, who helped lead the squad to the Eastern Conference finals for the second time in three seasons.

By the start of next season, however, getting to the conference finals may turn out to have been the easiest part for the Liberty. The team recently announced that it will play the next three years at the Prudential Center in Newark while Madison Square Garden undergoes a major renovation.

There also is the matter of the departures of coach Anne Donovan and longtime president and general manager Carol Blazejowski.

Donovan left to become head coach at Seton Hall and Blazejowski, the Liberty's first and only general manager, stepped down from her post last Monday. No reason was given for Blazejowski's decision.

The Liberty wouldn't comment on the nature of its hiring process or its list of candidates but said in a statement last week that a search for "new leadership" will begin immediately.

Considering the Liberty's track record in hiring coaches with big names - Nancy Darsch, Richie Adubato, Pat Coyle, Donovan - it's likely the team won't deviate from that path.

Several names have hit the rumor mill, including former Liberty forward Sue Wicks, a Center Moriches product who was an assistant coach at St. Francis College last year.

Former Liberty guard and current Louisiana Tech coach Teresa Weatherspoon could be a possibility. Atlanta Dream assistant Carol Ross also has become a hot prospect recently.

"They have so much returning talent, a lot of people would be interested in that job," said St. John's coach Kim Barnes Arico. "But it will take someone who is used to the league, because they play so many games in a short span."

But the Liberty, like several other WNBA teams, might hire one person as coach and GM. The WNBA has put in cost-cutting measures the last few years, including trimming rosters to 11 players and allowing only one assistant coach per team.

With the team set to change venues, having one person run the entire operation might not work. MSG management ultimately might decide it needs a separate coach and GM to deal with the transition.

The Dolan family owns controlling interests in the Liberty, MSG and Cablevision. Cablevision owns Newsday.