Avery Warley-Talbert got her first taste of being a part of the Dream’s team on Sunday.
Warley-Talbert, who signed with Atlanta on Saturday, made a cameo in the team’s 93-87 victory over Connecticut on Sunday.
She appeared for the first time in her No. 7 jersey with five minutes left in the first quarter and played just over four minutes in the game. She went 0-for-2 from the field and was charged with two quick fouls in her debut.
“It’s definitely a good experience,” Warley-Talbert said of joining the team. “I’ve just been getting adjusted. Atlanta’s hot and a good team. I’m excited.”
The Dream’s newest forward pointed out that the Dream is different from the New York Liberty, the team she played for in 2013 and again in 2014 and 2015. The 6-foot-3 Warley-Talbert had been with the Liberty in training camp this preseason but was not retained on the roster, forcing the free agent to look for a new option.
Fortunately for her, the Dream and head coach Michael Cooper picked up the phone.
“I think she’ll bring us another good defensive presence,” Cooper said. “Once she gets her feet under her and gets acclimated to what we’re doing, I think she’ll be a good rebounding machine for us. Bringing her in will help give Elizabeth (Williams) five or 10 minutes to get a breather.”
Cooper explained he couldn’t evaluate her first game because of how quickly she went from signing to actually playing as well as the small sample size to look at. At the same time, it won’t be long before Warley-Talbert has to prove herself.
The open spot that Warley-Talbert filled on the roster is a temporary one. Forward Sancho Lyttle has temporarily left to try and help Spain qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics, which allowed the team to add one player in her absence. Lyttle is set to return to the team for its June 22 game against the Liberty, which means at that point, someone on the roster has to be released.
“She understands the situation she’s in,” Cooper said. “It can be a short-term or long-term (situation) for her.”
While the pressure will soon be turned up on the former Liberty University standout, she is taking the moment in stride. Her appearance in the win over the Sun was her chance to dip her foot in the water. Before too long, it will be time to take a dive into the deep end.
“I of course could get better, but I’m just getting back into the flow of things and working to get better,” Warley-Talbert said. “I know (the team) will encourage me and keep me moving forward.”
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