The Washington Mystics were up sixth in Monday’s nights WNBA Draft, and with the depth of talent in the first round, there really wasn’t a bad option for them.
After Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink, Kamilla Cardoso and Rickea Jackson were drafted with the first four picks, the next best available player was Aaliyah Edwards of the University of Connecticut. The Dallas Wings had the No. 5 pick though, and with their team needs leaning more towards guards, they took Ohio State’s Jacy Sheldon.
That meant Aaliyah Edwards dropped to the No. 6 pick, an exciting stroke of luck for the Washington Mystics, and they wasted no time snatching her up.
Edwards is an exciting prospect with a lot of room to grow as she sets herself up to be a big name in the WNBA and international basketball for years to come.
The Journey from Kingston to Storrs
Aaliyah Edwards comes from the small city of Kingston, Ontario — a city deep with history nestled next to Lake Ontario, sitting evenly between Toronto and Canada’s capital city of Ottawa. As Edwards said upon being drafted:
You’re not only playing for yourself, you’re playing for those falling behind you. You’re also playing for those who laid the foundation in front of you. Coming into the WNBA, I respect that. I appreciate, I’m not going to say elders because I don’t want them getting on me, but I appreciate our vets. I’m going to soak up all the experience, but also know that I have a huge impact across the border in Canada.
Growing up, Edwards was coached in basketball by her dad, quickly gaining skill and strength far beyond her years. She started her high school journey at Frontenac Secondary School, but ended up moving to Crestwood Preparatory College in Toronto to further her basketball career.
It was there she went through her recruiting journey and joined the ranks of Canada Basketball junior national teams. After seeking guidance from another Canadian legend of the game in Kia Nurse, Edwards decided on UConn for her college career. The legacy of the school’s basketball programs mixed with the trust Geno Auriemma had in her and the glowing review from Nurse; it was enough to convince her that Storrs was the place to be.
Edwards joined Paige Bueckers and Nika Mühl as the freshmen trio that would ultimately send UConn to three Final Fours in four seasons and play in one national championship game.
In her senior season, Edwards was named an All-American, gaining accolades and awards for her improvement over four seasons at UConn. Despite the team’s struggles and adversities during her time there, Edwards thrived on the court, becoming a top prospect and showing how much potential she still has to grow and develop.
Ultimately, she decided to declare for the 2024 WNBA Draft instead of taking a fifth season at UConn.
Unique Olympic experience
Edwards boasts an accomplishment not a lot of WNBA rookies can claim: she has played in the Olympics. Before even being drafted into the league, Edwards already has represented her country on the biggest stage.
An exciting piece for the future of the Canadian Women’s Basketball team, which is ranked No. 5 in the world, Edwards is no stranger to playing on the global stage. She played in the 2020 Tokyo Games (held in 2021), and has also represented Canada’s squad at GLOBL JAM (winning MVP in that tournament), and at the women’s AmeriCup. On being a representative for girls in Canada, Edwards shared:
I would say my message for the younger girls is just be confident, be who you are, but know your worth. I mean, coming from Canada, I wasn’t given as many opportunities as say my fellow draftees, but I made the best out of it and I earned everything that I was given. So stay humble, but let them know.
She’s already a favorite to be named to the Canadian team as the program prepares to compete in this summer’s Olympics in Paris. It’s pretty rare for a player that young to have this much international basketball experience. It’s an experience that has helped Edwards become a smarter and more mature player on the court, advancing her reads and decision making.
A great fit for the Mystics
With Elena Delle Donne sitting out of the WNBA season, the Mystics have gotten weaker in the frontcourt. Drafting Edwards helps that problem immediately. She will pair with Shakira Austin to form a strong young, frontcourt, while also getting to learn from vets like Stefanie Dolson. The Mystics’ current situation will allow Edwards to play some good, meaningful minutes in her rookie season as well. On the prospect of playing with Austin, Edwards said:
Great player, followed her from D1 all the way to the WNBA, I think I’m just happy to really get the opportunity to play alongside her. Such a great player. I think that she’s gonna elevate me. I can elevate her too, but whatever impact I can take for this team and to this organization.
It’ll be exciting for Edwards to find her identity as her team also is trying to find their new identity. The Mystics also have a great community of fans that will treat Edwards well, and DC is close enough to Canada that she surely will get some fans travel to see her play.
Overall, this seems to be a great fit for both sides. Edwards was the best option for the No. 6 pick because she is a threat on both sides of the ball. She has the size to be a strong figure on defense, and her offense really flourished during her time at UConn. While she will develop her 3-point shot as a pro, her midrange shooting is pretty good. About her role in the WNBA, Edwards offered:
I think one of the things going into this league that I wanna do is just expand my game. Might be asked to play a different role, but I’m open to it. I see myself as a versatile player and impacting in any position that I’m asked to play in.
She knows how to finish at the rim, can rebound and knows how to get to the line. She definitely will have to work on avoiding foul trouble, but the WNBA already is more physical than college ball so that will come with time.
More than anything, Mystics fans should get ready for the wave of Canadian support coming their way. Edwards already has a whole country behind her, and that support will only grow. When you draft a Canadian, you draft a whole country full of fans along with them.
Aaliyah Edwards is just getting started, and it’s going to be fun to watch her rise.
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