![\"New](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/user-expressly-acknowledges-agrees-downloading-126421710.jpg\")
Derin Erdogan dribbles the ball during the Liberty\u2019s preseason loss to the Fever on April 25, 2026 at Barclays Center. NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\nTurkish guard Derin Erdogan thought she\u2019d check out of basketball for a few weeks once her season with Galatasaray came to an end. But a last-minute call from the Liberty earlier this month changed everything.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s kind of funny,\u201d Erdogan recalled Tuesday. \u201cI always had a dream to play in the WNBA obviously, but I never thought it would happen this year. Maybe in the future, but this year, I just mentally was like, \u2018I guess I\u2019m done after the season.\u2019 \u201d<\/p>\n
Erdogan, 23, was packing for the EuroLeague Women Final Six in Zaragoza, Spain, when her phone rang. <\/p>\n
She was surprised to see her agent\u2019s name pop up across the screen. She initially was confused why her agent was calling so late, but figured it was important.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Erdogan was speechless when her agent told her the Liberty wanted to sign her to a training camp contract.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI was just shocked,\u201d she said. \u201cI couldn\u2019t react that much, but I was so happy. But I was just in shock basically and [my agent] was so confused because I couldn\u2019t react. She was like, \u2018You know this is an offer that you cannot decline?\u2019 I\u2019m like, \u2018Obviously. I know, it\u2019s just I\u2019m in shock.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
The reality started to sink in about 30 minutes later, she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m so grateful for this opportunity,\u201d she said. \u201cSo really happy to be here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Derin Erdogan dribbles the ball during the Liberty\u2019s preseason loss to the Fever on April 25, 2026 at Barclays Center. NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n
The Liberty like Erdogan\u2019s physicality and strength. <\/p>\n
The 5-foot-6 point guard is an aggressive driver and scorer who gives the Liberty an additional facilitator at camp.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She could make a push for New York\u2019s final developmental contract. But overall, she said she\u2019s just enjoying the experience.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m taking it step by step,\u201d she said. \u201cJust being grateful for this opportunity, trying to do my best, being a good teammate, having a great attitude, trying to go hard, play hard every single practice\u2026 Just want to enjoy the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert previously discussed the potential for the league to explore playing a game outside of North America in the near future. <\/p>\n