Ex-ODU great Lieberman back in the WNBA - at age 50

Nancy Lieberman, probably the most decorated women's basketball player in Old Dominion University history, is back in the WNBA -- at age 50.

The Detroit Shock today signed Lieberman, a Hall of Famer who at one time coached the Shock, to a seven-day contract. She will be on the roster and eligible to play in tonight's game at Houston.

Liberman became the oldest player in WNBA history at 39 while playing for the Phoenix Mercury in 1997, the league's inaugural season. Shock coach Bill Laimbeer says Lieberman, an ESPN analyst, was impressive during drills during last year's WNBA All-Star game.

She was a three-time All-American and two-time national player of the year while with ODU in the late 1970s. The Lady Monarchs won two AIAW championships with Lieberman.

A spot opened up for Lieberman when standout forward Cheryl Ford suffered a season-ending knee injury Tuesday night when the Shock, assistant coach Rick Mahorn and the Los Angeles Sparks were involved in a skirmish.