On February 8th, Unrivaled had to cancel a game between Laces BC and Vinyl BC. To “prioritize player health and safety,” the league reasoned. New York Liberty’s Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, who stayed back for once this off-season, did not know what that would mean for her. About a week later, she was flying to Miami with her niece to play for Andrew Wade’s team. And in the following 48 hours, she’d leave more than a few impressed and get a glimpse of Liberty’s future practices. 

On the 18th, Laney-Hamilton made her Unrivaled debut with Laces BC as a relief player. And it was anything but ordinary. Facing a familiar face in Sabrina Ionescu and Phantom BC, the veteran forward put up an impressive 23-point performance with a game-winning shot that helped the Laces 75-68. 

Laney-Hamilton had just one day of practice with Andrew Wade, who also happens to be her newly appointed Player Development Coach at New York Liberty. It was a first good impression, to say the least. 

“She’s so smart is what I’m learning,” Wade told The Next in a phone interview on Tuesday as per Jackie Powell. “And this is my first time actually meeting her, observing her up close.” For the head coach it was a major relief too seeing her in Miami.

The team has been struggling with injuries that led to the cancellation of the game. While Alyssa Thomas has been out for knee injury since Jan 24, Jackie Young has been in and out for the same reason, missing Tuesday’s game. Tiffany Hayes and Kate Martin also did not make it to the court for concussion protocol and leg injury, respectively.

“It’s a blessing having her here, honestly,” Wade added. “I was thrilled when I got the text. Seeing her work and just jell with the group—I knew it would be an easy fit.” For Laney-Hamilton, who had returned from an off-season schedule in the Bahamas, and was quite unoccupied at the moment, it was a no-brainer. She would join Breanna Stewart, Ionescu, and former teammate, Courtney Vandersloot to make a near-complete Liberty roster in Unrivaled. 

The forward had played a crucial role in the championship run this past season averaging 11.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. Now as they gear up to defend the title, the 3×3 league wasn’t just an opportunity to build on her game, but also familiarize herself with the Liberty’s new addition to the coaching staff. 

Andrew Wade is always up for some challenge

Andrew Wade comes with a massive resume in the basketball leagues. After playing for Catholic University of America, the coach has worked with Washington Mystics, Washington Wizards and its G-League affiliate, Capital City Go-Go. He’s been in the W for 6 years now as a player development assistant coach and the stint with Unrivaled was his first big.

“I’m excited to be in the head seat for the first time,” he had told SB Nation. “I’m excited to have that challenge and face that pressure.” And head on did he face the challenge! The former video coordinator helped his team Laces to a 5-3 record, trailing only Lunar Owls at 8-0.

Wade admits he has prioritized building relationships in the W and has naturally grown comfortable with the players, personnel, and the league as a whole. No wonder he caught Liberty’s eyes who are looking to ride on previous season’s momentum. The team opens its title defense on May 17 against the Las Vegas Aces. But before that, he has got Unrivaled to shine in and with Betnijah Laney-Hamilton on his side, it is looking like a nearing reality.