When Rose BC claimed $50,000 and the first-ever Unrivaled title, it wasn’t the only thing Angel Reese walked away with. More than the prize money or even the win, it was the experience Chi-Town Barbie gained that truly mattered. “Being here at Unrivaled has been the best thing for me,” Reese admitted. “It’s helped me grow, it’s helped me expand my game, and most of all, it’s made me stronger.” If you think that’s just talk, consider the actual improvement in her performance.

During Unrivaled, Reese shot nearly 47.3% from the field, a clear sign of growth. She would also go on to record the league’s first 20/20 performance. But even beyond the training, it was the presence of veterans around the league that helped shape her. “That was the best thing for me, being around vets and just seeing both sides,” she shared after her first day at the Chicago Sky’s training camp.

And yes, the results are real. Reese led the league with 12.1 rebounds in her 14 appearances and was named the Defensive Player of the Year, while bagging All-Unrivaled second team honors. Clearly, learning from veterans has played a big role in her evolution. But Reese isn’t the only one benefiting from the league co-founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.

Aaliyah Edwards shares a similar perspective. After her first day of training camp with the Washington Mystics, she reflected on her Unrivaled journey: “My confidence … gained so much respect from vets across the league.” There’s no doubt she made a major impact during the league’s inaugural season.

Especially in the league’s 1-on-1 tournament, Edwards was a game-changer. She turned heads right away, defeating top-seeded Breanna Stewart with a commanding 12–0 win in the opening round. Her momentum didn’t stop there, she went on to beat Allisha Gray and Arike Ogunbowale to reach the finals.

And guess what? She faced Napheesa Collier in a best-of-three matchup. Edwards won the first game 9–6, showing she could hang with one of the league’s best. Though Collier bounced back to win the next two games (9–4 and 8–0), ultimately claiming the title and $200,000 cash prize, Edwards’ performance couldn’t be ignored.

Especially when you consider she’s the 6th overall pick in the 2024 draft, going toe-to-toe with seasoned WNBA veterans, the same players she’ll be facing this season. However, she’s not leaning too hard into 1v1 success as a predictor for league play. “Says she doesn’t plan to really lean into 1v1 matchups in the W, but the tournament gave her the confidence in those situations,” USA Today’s Meghan L Hall reported. Rightfully so.

Now, when she’s isolated with a defender in a real game, she knows how to make it count — whether it’s finishing strong or locking down on defense. Remember that game against Stewart? Edwards opened with a corner three, followed by a jumper from the elbow, two layups, and another three-pointer. Meanwhile, Stewart missed all three of her early attempts.

The question now is: can she carry that momentum into the season and help the Mystics turn things around?

The timing couldn’t be better for Aaliyah Edwards!

The Washington Mystics are officially in rebuild mode, and right at the heart of this new chapter stands Aaliyah Edwards, ready to become the franchise’s next big thing.

After Elena Delle Donne’s retirement and Ariel Atkins’ trade to the Chicago Sky, the Mystics lost the last ties to their 2019 championship core. They closed out the 2024 season with a 14–26 record, missing the playoffs and finishing last in rebounding across the league. Their offense struggled too, averaging just 79.3 points per game while allowing 82.3 on defense. It was clear by the end of the year, Washington needed a new identity, new energy, and players who could grow into stars. That’s where Edwards steps in.

As a lottery pick out of UConn, she came into the WNBA with a strong résumé and immediately showed why the Mystics believed in her. Despite the team battling injuries and inconsistency, Edwards was one of their steadiest players, suiting up for 34 of 40 games and averaging 7.6 points and 5.6 rebounds in under 22 minutes a night.

With new management in Jamila Wideman and a new head coach in Sydney Johnson, the Mystics are moving toward a faster, more aggressive style of play centered around player development.

Edwards fits that mold perfectly. Her athleticism and rebounding immediately address two of the team’s biggest weaknesses from last season. Her growing offensive skill set gives Washington another go-to option, something they’ll need after losing Atkins and Delle Donne. Meanwhile pairing her with Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron, also gives the team a frontcourt trio. Mystics find a solid piece in Edwards.