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…
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