VICKIE JOHNSON

Liberty coach Sandy Brondello was on her way to morning shootaround when she heard the news that Russia had extended Brittney Griner’s pre-trial detention another 30 days.

Liberty Legacy at 25 Basketball FILE - In this Oct. 11, 2019, file photo, New Orleans Pelicans player development coach Teresa Weatherspoon watches players before the team's preseason NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman, File) (Tyler Kaufman)NEW YORK — (AP) — Teresa Weatherspoon and Vickie Johnson stood next to each other for the photo of the inaugural 1997 New York Liberty team. Flash forward nearly 25 years and several Liberty players from that era are still working in basketball as the WNBA celebrates its silver anniversary season. “We put in some work.”Kym Hampton and Sue Wicks are “Liberty Legends,” who have worked in the New York basketball community for years. Here are more things to know about some Liberty players and their accomplishments:‘VJ’ ON THE WINGJohnson recalls her teammates had a “toughness like no other.

Teresa Weatherspoon and Vickie Johnson were the dynamic backcourt duo for the original New York Liberty team in 1997.

The WNBA season is only a few weeks old and there already have been five games that have decided in overtime.

The WNBA will tip off its 25th season on Friday after an offseason that was full of player movement, including Candace Parker returning home to Chicago.