New York Liberty rookie Asia Durr talks transition to WNBA

The quick change from NCAA basketball to the WNBA isn’t easy for any rookie and the New York Liberty’s top draft pick is still learning.

As the New York Liberty were preparing for their regular season home opener against Indiana, Empire Writes Back caught up with the number two overall selection in this year’s WNBA Draft. Asia Durr spoke about her quick transition from college star at Louisville to a professional basketball player.

What are your thoughts heading into your first regular-season WNBA game?

"“Just another game, obviously playing against some of the best players in the world so it’s exciting and I think my family is pumped about it too…It’s just a dream come true and then you have to stay calm and poised because we got a ball game to play.”"

How has the transition been from college basketball to the WNBA Draft and now playing in the league?

"“It’s challenging, you go from college then the next month you’re on your own you’re in a new city, new state and you’re also playing with women that have been in the league ten plus years at least. So it’s a transition but it’s been fun.”"

Have you latched on to any veterans during training camp and preseason? 

"“Yes, Tia has been great and TC [Tina Charles], I’ve latched on to both of them…They give me feedback and stuff like that it’s been pretty cool to learn from those two greats.”"

What has been your biggest adjustment living in New York?

"“The traffic, of course, I’m pretty sure everyone would say that it’s just getting to and from places. I’ll pick a place to go to that’s only four miles down the road and it takes you 50 minutes to get there. That is crazy, I’ve never heard of that. They weren’t lying when they said the traffic is bad.”"

The Liberty came up short in their home opener to the Fever losing 81-80, Durr finished with eight points. The former Louisville Cardinal spoke after the game on her debut performance:

More from Empire Writes Back

• Caesars New York Promo Code: Win $250 Bonus GUARANTEED on ANY Bet!
• Last Chance Caesars Promo: Claim $1,250 Bonus for ANY MLB Bet!
• Caesars New York Promo Code Gives TWO Chances to Win Betting on Your Yankees!
• PointsBet New York Promo: FIVE $100 Bonus Bets to Back the Yankees or Mets!
• Caesars NY Promo: $1,250 Bonus to Celebrate the Return of Judge!

"“It’s a process. It’s my first year and everyone goes through that process. This is a change now. It was just two months ago I was playing against college players. It’s a long road you have to take it step by step and stay present.”"

Durr’s teammates were very supportive of her efforts and strides made since being drafted last month. Kia Nurse spoke on mentoring Durr along with the other rookies on the roster.

"“It’s a tough transition to come from college where everything is taken care of. Now it’s your obligation to manage. I try to keep it light-hearted with them and they get an open space where they know if they need anything, they have me.”"

Teammate Bria Hartley also spoke candidly on the relationship with her New York Liberty rookie teammate.

"“I feel like when you have players like (Asia) Durr coming in, it’s easy. She’s a really good play maker, she makes my job easier. She is really good in a lot of situations. I watched her play in college and that helped. I’ve just been learning what she likes. I just try to talk to her, what plays to you feel most comfortable in, so I know what to call. I just want to put her in the best position to do well.”"

It was a good start to her WNBA career for Durr. She will continue to grow as a player and find ways to contribute, whether starting or coming off the bench.