Tiffany Jackson, New York Liberty

By Lauren Brill

July 23, 2008 - All rookies expect the unexpected. Joining a new team, getting to know a new coach and new teammates and moving to a new city, first-year players in the WNBA have to make many adaptations in a short period of time.

But by their sophomore seasons as pros, the freshman jitters should be gone and their level of play is supposed to improve. New York Liberty forward Tiffany Jackson is following the typical WNBA maturation process. In her second year in the league, she has improved in every statistical category.

"Last year, there was not a game that I wasn’t nervous or I didn’t have butterflies in my stomach." Jackson said. "I think this year I am a lot more comfortable."

Relaxed and ready to play this season, the former University of Texas star is averaging 8.4 points in 19.7 minutes per game. In her rookie season, she averaged just 5.1 points in 13.9 minutes a night. What's the reason for the uptick in scoring and playing time? New York Liberty coach Pat Coyle has the answer.

"Tiffany has gotten better," Coyle stated. "She had a year with us and then went a year overseas and she came back better. She is explosive and she is finishing better around the basket."

While Jackson appeased her coaches with her improved play, she is not yet satisfied with her game. Her work ethic in the WNBA offseason resulted in increased minutes and better numbers but she's not done yet. Jackson still intends to expand her game and hone her skills at every opportunity.

"I definitely tried to work on finishing better around the basket and adding a 15-foot jumper to my game (in the offseason)," Jackson explained. "Now I am working a little on my ball-handling and trying to improve my perimeter defense."

While her stats are a reflection of her progress, coach Coyle believes the team benefits most from the intangibles that Jackson offers. Coming off the bench, the second-year forward has the quickness and power to change the game.

"What I really like about Tiffany is her energy," the Liberty coach explained. "She can directly affect the game coming off the bench. I think she has really positively affected us because of the energy."

Better stats, improved skills and a boost off the bench make it clear that Jackson is no longer a rattled rookie but a self-assured second-year on the rise.