On a memorable Monday night on the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Aaliyah Edwards, a former standout from the College of Connecticut, lived out a dream many athletes aspire to however few obtain. The primary-team All-Massive East ahead was chosen by the Washington Mystics because the No. 6 decide within the WNBA draft, marking a major milestone in her already spectacular basketball profession.
Clad in a white, sleeveless gown and her trademark braided yellow streaks, tears flowed as she realized a lifelong ambition. “She stated my identify, and that’s when the waterworks began taking place,” Edwards recalled. “Simply tremendous grateful for this second and this chance.”
The Mystics’ collection of Edwards comes at a pivotal time for the workforce, which is present process important adjustments. Washington has been busy reshaping its roster following the departures of stars like Elena Delle Donne and Natasha Cloud. The addition of 6-foot-5 middle Stefanie Dolson within the low season and two first-round picks within the upcoming 2025 draft spotlight their strategic rebuild.
Edwards, who hails from Kingston, Ontario, brings to the Mystics a powerful collegiate file from a program famend for creating WNBA-ready expertise. At U-Conn., she averaged profession highs of 17.6 factors, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per recreation. Recognized for her highly effective 6-3 body, Edwards is predicted to enhance nicely with fellow ahead Shakira Austin, as she is adept each contained in the paint and within the midrange space.
“One of many issues going into this league that I need to do is simply broaden my recreation,” Edwards shared. “Is likely to be requested to play a unique function, however I’m open to it. I see myself as a flexible participant and impacting in any place that I’m requested to play in.”
Basic Supervisor Mike Thibault was passionate about her potential, noting her distinctive ending abilities on the rim and powerful defensive capabilities. “Aliyah’s final step will be capable to stretch her recreation to the three-point line. That’s not a constant, snug factor for her but, however it’s one thing she practices,” Thibault defined. “We’re actually excited to draft Aaliyah Edwards. Her competitiveness, high-end defensive motor, and fast-improving offensive recreation will match nicely with what we are attempting to construct for our tradition and future success.”
All through her U-Conn. profession, Edwards not solely achieved excessive stats but additionally garnered a number of accolades, together with AP All-America honorable mentions and a finalist spot for the 2024 Wood Award. Her prowess was on full show through the NCAA event, the place she scored 24 factors in opposition to USC within the Elite Eight and racked up a career-high 5 steals in opposition to Iowa within the Remaining 4.
As Edwards prepares for her rookie season within the WNBA, her journey from U-Conn. to the skilled stage displays not simply her aspirations but additionally a beacon of hope for younger Canadian athletes aiming to make their mark on the world stage. With Edwards on their roster, the Mystics will not be simply investing in a gifted participant, however in a imaginative and prescient of aggressive resurgence and dynamic workforce play.
