If Caitlin Clark is the new face of women’s basketball, Nancy Lieberman was one of the finest molds for it. The second female assistant coach in NBA history had quite a playing career for herself. And she played not in one but 4 professional leagues.

From playing in a professional men’s league to coaching a pro men’s team, there came many ‘firsts’ in Lieberman’s life. Working as a broadcaster now, let’s have a closer look at the WABA champ’s career.

Nancy Lieberman’s basketball career before going pro

There are late bloomers, and then there was Lieberman, displaying strong promise from her high school days. The fact she played school level basketball during school year and AAU during the summer displays the commitment she had for the game. Playing for Far Rockaway High School in Queens, Lady Magic sealed her spot on USA’ National Team quite early. Doing so, she even claimed her first international gold in the 1975 Pan-American Games.

But she was not done with bringing in accolades for her national team. Continuing with Team USA in 1976 as well, Leiberman registered her name among the first women athletes to play basketball at Olympics. Yes, the 1976 Olympics in Montreal was the first instance that women’s basketball got a place in the event. The ex-WNBA star may have failed to secure the gold with her team, but she became the youngest basketball player in Olympic history to win a medal (silver).

Within no time, the WABA champ was looking to further elevate her basketball career at college level. Basketball enthusiasts back then might have thought she’d go with Canisius University because of her verbal commitment. But it seems destiny wanted Nancy Lieberman to take her talents to Virginia’s Old Dominion University. Playing for the college from 1976 to 1980, Lady Magic helped her team secure two consecutive AIAW National Championships in 1979 and 1980, and the 1978 Women’s National Invitation Tournament as well.

The fact she became the first to claim Wade Trophy twice reflects her individual contribution on the team. If this and her three consecutive Kodak All-America awards are not enough proof, the number should do the trick. With 961 assists, she set a school record for career assists that still stands today, earning her the name Lady Magic. Yes, it was Lieberman’s exceptional playmaking ability, along with her impressive scoring prowess, that earned her this revered nickname. Notably, the Old Dominion star closed her college career with 18.1 points per game.

A closer look at Lieberman’s run through four different professional leagues

Her exceptional basketball talents from high school days itself were enough for WBL’s (Women’s Pro Basketball League) Dallas Diamonds to select Lieberman with the first draft pick. Being the one to deliver from early on, it was no surprise that she claimed Rookie of the Year in the league. Had luck been any more kind to the former WNBA star, she would’ve claimed the WBL championship as well. Liberman had reached the Finals in 1981, but lost to the Nebraska Wranglers in a five-game series.

Some may find it interesting that Lieberman had a brief stint with LA Lakers as well, through their Summer Pro League team. But it’s not as if the 2x Wade Trophy winner was done with her debut professional team. For Liberman, suited for Dallas Diamonds once again in 1984. Only this time, the league had transitioned from WBL to Women’s American Basketball Association (WABA).

Not only did she help her team win the championship this time but also claimed the MVP title for herself. Thanks to her impeccable run through boasting an average of 27 points per game. It seems the season had just come for Lieberman as, after the single season in 1984, WABA folded. The WABA champ had no option but to take her talents to the Springfield Fame of the men’s professional United States Basketball League (USBL). With this, she became the first woman ever to play in a men’s professional league.

But Nancy Lieberman still had one important role to play in the women’s basketball scenario. To be among the first stars to play in the WNBA. A league that started in 1997 and now stands as the face of women’s basketball in the USA. Playing for Phoenix Mercury back then, she was WNBA’s oldest player (39) at the time.

As for her last game in the league, it came with Detroit Shock in  2008.

Exploring Nancy Lieberman’s coaching career

Even before her final game as a player with Detroit Shock, Lady Magic had taken up the role of General Manager and head coach of the team in 1998. But this partnership lasted just for three seasons, only for her to take up the role of women’s basketball analyst for ESPN. But it was not as if that Lieberman was done with a more active involvement in the game.

No wonder she became the NBA Development League’s (now NBA G League) Texas Legends coach. Interestingly, this was the first time that a woman was coaching a professional men’s basketball team. Meanwhile, Lieberman also became the second female assistant coach in NBA history with her stint as an assistant coach for Sacramento Kings in 2015.

What’s more of Lady Magic’s involvement with the game? She has coached in Ice Cube’s Big3 league. It’s clear that Nancy Lieberman has had immense love and contribution to the game. No wonder that she made it to Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999 itself.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.