WNBA Champion & Six-Time WNBA All-Star Taj McWilliams-Franklin Signs With Liberty

NEW YORK, NY - April 22 - The New York Liberty has signed unrestricted free agent Taj McWilliams-Franklin, it was announced today by team President and General Manager Carol Blazejowski. As per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to add another player with championship experience to our roster," said Blazejowski. "Taj will provide a physical inside presence, bring veteran leadership that will help make our frontcourt one of the best in the league, and further position the Liberty to compete for the WNBA Championship this season."

McWilliams-Franklin joins the Liberty after spending two seasons with the Detroit Shock, where she won the 2008 WNBA Championship. The 6-2 center owns a 12.1 ppg and 7.2 rpg career average through 339 games with 336 starts, and has earned six trips to the WNBA All-Star Game over the course of her 11 WNBA seasons. McWilliams-Franklin was originally drafted by the Orlando Miracle as the No. 32 overall pick in the 1999 WNBA Draft. She spent four seasons in Orlando, and four seasons in Connecticut when the franchise was relocated and renamed the Sun prior to the 2003 season. Through those eight seasons, she compiled a 12.4 ppg and 7.7 rpg average. McWilliams-Franklin played for the Los Angeles Sparks in 2007 and the Washington Mystics in 2008 before being traded to Detroit seven games before the end of the regular season.

She began her professional career in 1996 when she was drafted by the Philadelphia Rage of the American Basketball League (ABL) and competed for three seasons.

"I am thrilled to work with Taj again and look forward to all the qualities that she will bring the Liberty, after having a solid, long standing relationship since she played for me with the Philadelphia Rage," said Head Coach Anne Donovan. "Taj has proven to be invaluable on every team she has competed with. Her versatile skill set, strength and durability make her one of the best post players in the WNBA."

The Liberty will tip-off the 2010 regular season at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, May 16 against the Chicago Sky. Individual game tickets are available for purchase by clicking here or visiting The Garden Box Office.