Knicks Hire Liberty Assistant Raman as Head Coach
The New York Knicks have hired Sonia Raman as their new head coach, the team announced on Tuesday. Raman previously served as an assistant coach for the WNBA's New York Liberty.
Raman, 40, spent just one season with the Liberty, joining the staff of former head coach Sandy Brondello. Prior to that, Raman had no WNBA coaching experience, but she was widely praised for her work in developing young Liberty players like Rebekah Gardner and Kennedy Burke.
Key Moments
The Knicks' decision to hire Raman comes on the heels of the Liberty's decision to part ways with Brondello, who led the team to its first WNBA championship just last season. Raman's strong work with the Liberty's roster apparently impressed Knicks management, who were seeking a fresh voice to lead their own rebuilding efforts.
Raman has an extensive coaching background, including stints as an assistant in college basketball. She spent seven seasons as an assistant at MIT before making the leap to the WNBA. The Knicks are hoping her analytical approach and player development skills can help turn around a team that has struggled in recent years.
Player Impact
While the Knicks will be Raman's first head coaching job in the pros, she is inheriting a roster with some young, promising talent. RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin, and Immanuel Quickley provide a solid foundation, and Raman will be tasked with unlocking their full potential.
Raman's experience working with emerging WNBA players should serve her well as she looks to guide the Knicks' young core. Her ability to connect with players and focus on skill development could be key as the team aims to end its playoff drought.
TL;DR
- The New York Knicks have hired former New York Liberty assistant coach Sonia Raman as their new head coach.
- Raman impressed the Knicks with her work developing young Liberty players like Rebekah Gardner and Kennedy Burke.
- As the Knicks' new head coach, Raman will look to leverage her player development expertise to help turn around the struggling franchise.
- Raman has an extensive coaching background, including seven seasons as an assistant in college basketball, before joining the WNBA.