On Wednesday, the New York Liberty officially introduced the franchise’s new head coach, Chris DeMarco.
But more than an introduction, the press conference, attended by Liberty players Sabrina Ionescu, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Nyara Sabally and Isabelle Harrison, was an opportunity for general manager Jonathan Kolb and DeMarco to indirectly respond (or support) the criticism.
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Although DeMarco has over 13 years of experience as an NBA assistant coach, all accumulated with the four-time champion Golden State Warriors, in addition to serving as head coach of the Bahamas men’s national team since 2019, he lacks high-level experience as a women’s basketball coach.
To put it uncharitably, DeMarco presents himself as a coach who suddenly recognized the WNBA as a viable and respected opportunity, viewing the WNBA no longer as the NBA’s secondary, subordinate little sister, but as a separate, rising entity with jobs no longer inferior to those of an accomplished NBA lifer.
DeMarco, certainly aware of criticism both scathing and more sympathetic, was ready to demonstrate his long-standing and growing appreciation of the WNBA. The new head coach, who will remain in his role with the Warriors until January 1, shared:
We played three games in four nights, so I’m still in my role as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors. But whenever I have free time, I make time for it. I’ve probably ordered every New York Liberty book you can find online. I always watched as a fan, right? So now I have to concentrate and watch as a coach. So there’s a lot to look back on, but a huge basketball fan and I love every second of it, so keep looking back. Continue to learn more about the history of the WNBA, the history of the Liberty and others, as we enter the 30th season of the WNBA and the franchise, it’s just a really exciting time.
DeMarco’s claim that he “ordered every book about the New York Liberty” seems a bit silly and has certainly raised eyebrows on social media.
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But he is certainly in a delicate position. As an outsider who, because of his past experiences and identity, arouses suspicion among longtime fans and analysts of women’s basketball, DeMarco recognizes that he must show that he is committed to integrating into the culture of the WNBA. He must show that he understands and values the history of the league and the Liberty. He must show that, although he is new to this field, he intends to be faithful to it.
His comments, nonetheless, appear to be those of overkill. It’s fair to give him some grace for making an overcompensatory effort, even if it was a bit grating and clumsy.
DeMarco further signaled his investment in his new opportunity, saying it was a “it’s obvious” accept a role in a “world-class organization”. He noted, “I’m absolutely honored to take on the role of head coach in the WNBA…it’s really exciting. This is where I want to be…I have the chance to coach the greatest players in the world.”
DeMarco also praised the “high character” of Liberty’s players, noting that he is “really collaborative” and that New York, with “players who have already won”, will be a “very player-oriented team.”
The problem, however, is that Kolb chose DeMarco for the job because he is NOT in the WNBA or women’s basketball.
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Kolb chose DeMarco to replace Sandy Brondello, the quintessential women’s basketball lifer, because Kolb believes DeMarco can introduce something new, different and distinct from what the WNBA and Liberty have done in the past.
After the Liberty were eliminated from the playoffs and Brondello was not retained, Kolb insisted the decision was “anchored in proactivity” because he determined that “evolution and innovation are what is needed.” Kolb explained in more detail“You can stand still or embrace change and move forward, and my commitment is to continue to push the New York Liberty to new heights.”
On Wednesday, Kolb echoed his previous technically coded points of emphasis, emphasizing that after “detailed research” he and the rest of Liberty’s leadership viewed DeMarco as fulfilling the organization’s priorities, describing:
We found non-negotiable criteria…tactical confidence…someone who is a leader, someone who possesses a deep curiosity about the game of basketball…someone who understands the habits of dynasty building…someone who has been in a championship environment.
Kolb said of DeMarco“Chris possesses a rare combination of tactical acumen, emotional intelligence and a relentless work ethic,” which gives him credit for “pivotal transition periods” he was part of the Warriors. Kolb also said:
Late in the process…once we got to a tactical session…Chris really excelled at this…he wants us to compete…he was very specific on players…his ability to coach in the NBA while having plans for us really spoke to us.
Kolb, in short, evaluates DeMarco’s experience with the Warriors, an organization that once called itself “light years away” from the rest of the NBA in terms of strategy, culture and innovation, qualifying him to usher in a smarter, more strategically sophisticated era of Liberty basketball, one that elevates New York above the rest of the WNBA.
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Criticism of DeMarco should be directed first at Kolb. It’s Kolb who, in turning to DeMarco, seems to think he’s found a leader capable of taking the Liberty beyond the traditional confines of WNBA basketball. Kolb, probably, doesn’t care if DeMarco takes a trip to Sue Wicks’ Oyster Farmwatches Tina Charles’ documentary about his father or puts a framed photo of “The blow” in his office.
No, DeMarco’s hiring was not designed to explicitly abandon Liberty’s 30-year WNBA legacy.
Instead, Kolb’s comments consistently indicate that he believes his goal of building the best, most sustainable and strategically innovative basketball organization possible has forced him to look outside the WNBA, an attitude fraught with internalized biases about gender, race and basketball expertise that, unsurprisingly, has resulted in the hiring of a white, male NBA assistant with no prior experience in women’s basketball – who must therefore use his library card and/or his Amazon account to learn about all things WNBA – to being hired as the Liberty’s new manager. coach.
