Fiifi Frimpong: A piece of the Liberty died when the team decided to cast away Betnijah Laney-Hamilton
NEW YORK — After the Liberty won Game 2 of the 2024 WNBA semifinals matchup against the Las Vegas Aces, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton was asked what inspired her near impossible task of consistently getting defensive stops against her opponent’s elite trio of guards. The Liberty guard, who was just three months removed from a procedure to clean up two loose bodies in her right knee, had just ...
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, a cornerstone of the New York Liberty, bid farewell to the team in a manner that left fans and the basketball community saddened. The WNBA star, who made her mark during the Liberty's historic 2024 championship run, was waived by general manager Jonathan Kolb, a decision that left many questioning the value placed on her contributions.
Laney-Hamilton, who had just returned from knee surgery, was praised for her defensive prowess, earning the nickname "Queen B" for her unyielding focus during games played on one leg. Despite a decline in performance following her injury, she remained a dedicated player, leading the team to their first-ever WNBA title in 2024. Her tenure with the Liberty, which spanned from 2021 to 2026, was marked by her professionalism, resilience, and unwavering dedication.
The decision to waive her, however, was seen as a harsh reminder of the harsh realities of professional sports, where even the most integral pieces can be cast aside without much fanfare.
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