Pauline Astier already turning heads before Liberty debut
Pauline Astier is making a strong early impression with the New York Liberty ahead of her WNBA debut, drawing praise for her quick adaptation to the team's system. The 24-year-old French point guard, considered one of Europe's top guard prospects, signed a rookie minimum contract after choosing the Liberty over several other interested teams. Her high basketball IQ, playmaking ability, and experience with the French National Team have raised expectations for her impact this season.
- ▪Pauline Astier signed a one-year, $270,000 rookie minimum contract with the New York Liberty.
- ▪She played two seasons with Liberty player development coach Kristen Mann on the French club Tango Bourges Basket.
- ▪Sabrina Ionescu praised Astier for her rapid understanding of the team's offense, noting she stood out on her second day of practice.
- ▪Multiple WNBA teams, including Connecticut, Indiana, Minnesota, Washington, and Toronto, were interested in signing Astier.
- ▪Astier is known for her traditional point guard style, strong passing vision, and experience playing for the French National Team.
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WNBA Pauline Astier already turning heads before Liberty debut By Madeline Kenney Published May 1, 2026, 10:02 p.m. ET Pauline Astier hit up new Liberty player development coach Kristen Mann last month in preparation for the French point guard’s first WNBA training camp. Astier and Mann go back about six years. Astier said she was only 19 when she and Mann were teammates for two seasons on the French club Tango Bourges Basket. We’ve got you covered on the Liberty beat Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Madeline Kenney about all things Liberty and WNBA. tRY IT NOW That familiarity has been a source of comfort for Astier as she readies for her WNBA debut.
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