Betnijah Laney-Hamilton ‘felt good’ making long-awaited Liberty return in preseason opener

The last time she stepped onto the Barclays Center court, it was a party as Liberty-colored confetti floated through the air to celebrate the franchise winning its first WNBA title.

That was 2024. 

On Saturday, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton finally greeted Liberty fans again during preseason action against the Fever.

It was her first game in two years, delayed due to a knee injury. 

“It was great to get back out there,” she said Monday. “See how I’m moving and everything. Just getting back out there in a game setting so it was fun.”

The 6-footer sat out the 2025 season after the Liberty made the tough decision to suspend her contract.

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton looks to move the ball during the Liberty’s April 25 preseason game. NBAE via Getty Images

At the time, she was only a few months removed from knee surgery — at least her fourth knee surgery since November 2021 — and was expected to be sidelined until late in the season. 

The Liberty held exclusive negotiating rights with her and re-signed the 32-year-old April 15.

The terms of her deal were not immediately known. 

Laney-Hamilton tallied two points and one assist in 12 minutes Saturday.

The one-time All-Star found it hard to gauge her progress given the preseason stakes. 

“It was fine. I think it was more just kind of getting out there and getting a feel and all that felt good,” she said. 

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton is pictured during the Liberty’s April 25 game. Heather Khalifa for the NY Post

“I think she has been moving really well and I think she’s done a really good job at her rehab and getting back to basketball shape and everything,” Jonquel Jones said of her teammate Saturday. “So, she’s looking good. Obviously, all of us are going to be in a different form by the time it’s like October. But for right now, I think she’s in a good spot.”

The Liberty are continuing to closely monitor her ramp-up. 

Laney-Hamilton knew the minutes allotted to her Saturday, and she was spotted on the bike at the end of practice Monday. 

“I thought the effort was there and the talk was there,” coach Chris DeMarco added of Laney-Hamilton’s first game. “She was coming up to our staff asking questions. Communication has been really good and I’m really happy with the way she played.” 

Marine Fauthoux is patiently awaiting the arrival of Marine Johannès and the fun that will come with it for the Liberty.

The two French women have played together on the national team, and Fauthoux admitted Monday that neither Marine had nicknames to differentiate them. 

Will nicknames be made in New York? 

“We can figure it out,” Fauthoux laughed. 

Satou Sabally, who sat out the preseason game with what the Liberty described as “reconditioning,” had a full day of practice Monday.