Women's hoops: Doron: 'I want to give back to Israeli basketball'

Shay Doron was introduced as an Elitzur Ramle player in unique fashion on Tuesday night.

By ALLON SINAI
shay doron 298.88 (photo credit: AP [file])
shay doron 298.88
(photo credit: AP [file])
Shay Doron was introduced as an Elitzur Ramle player in unique fashion on Tuesday night. The 22-year-old guard, who will complete her first season with the WNBA's New York Liberty in the next few weeks, spoke to journalists via a specially set up transatlantic video phone call about her joy at returning to play in the Israeli league. "I want to give something back to Israeli basketball," said Doron, who was selected by the Liberty with the 16th pick in this years WNBA draft. "I'm happy to be a Ramle player and I'm very excited. We have an excellent team and I have no doubt we will win many games." The WNBA season lasts for just three months during the summer, meaning Doron can combine the WNBA with the Israeli league which begins in November. Although the Liberty made it into the postseason on Sunday with a win over the Chicago Sky, Doron has warmed the bench for most of her first season in the US, playing a total of just 35 minutes and scoring a combined 10 points in the team's 34 games this season. "I would have done very well in the WNBA had I gotten a chance," Doron said. "It's only a matter of time. You need patience to do well in this league. I'm certain that within a year or two I'll succeed." New York begins it East Conference semifinal against the Detroit Shock on Friday.