Aaliyah Edwards, a talented forward from Ontario, is on the cusp of achieving her dream of playing in the WNBA. After a successful four-year career with the UConn Huskies, she is projected to be a first-round pick in the upcoming draft. Edwards, standing at 6-foot-3, was a two-time all-American with UConn and finished her senior season with career highs in points and rebounds. She expressed gratitude and humility about being recognized as a projected top five pick, attributing her success to the hard work and effort she has put into the game over the years.
Declared for the draft on March 21, Edwards referred to her recent NCAA tournament experience as her “last dance” with UConn. Despite having another year of college eligibility remaining due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she decided to move on to the next chapter of her career. Edwards acknowledged the challenges of leaving her family and home in Canada to pursue her dreams in the U.S., but credited UConn for preparing her for the professional level both on and off the court. She is grateful for the opportunities that have come her way and is ready to embrace whatever outcome the draft brings.
If Edwards is selected in the first round, it would mark the second consecutive year that a Canadian player has achieved that feat. Laeticia Amihere was the eighth overall pick in last year’s draft, showcasing the growing presence of Canadian talent in the WNBA. Edwards’ breakout junior season at UConn set the stage for her success, earning multiple accolades and becoming a key player for the team. While she values team success over individual awards, Edwards recognizes the significance of her achievements and views them as a reflection of her growth and development as a player.
According to Canadian senior women’s assistant coach Steve Baur, Edwards has the potential to make a significant impact in the professional ranks. He applauds her defensive improvements and highlights her evolving offensive game as a key strength. Baur believes that with more experience at the pro level, Edwards will continue to enhance her skills and expand her offensive repertoire. Canada Basketball president and CEO Michael Bartlett sees Edwards’ success as a testament to the talent pipeline in Canadian women’s basketball. He points to upcoming athletes like Toby Fournier, Syla Swords, and Jasmine Bascoe as examples of the wealth of talent that Canada is producing.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Bartlett emphasizes the significance of Edwards’ rise in the WNBA draft and its implications for future Canadian talent. He sees Edwards as a model for aspiring young athletes and underscores the caliber of talent that is emerging from Canada. Bartlett emphasizes that Canadian talent in women’s basketball is not just noteworthy, but essential for building winning teams at both the college and professional levels. Edwards’ journey from Ontario to UConn and potentially to the WNBA encapsulates the growth and potential of Canadian basketball talent on the global stage.
