Aaliyah Edwards started for the first time in her WNBA career against the Seattle Storm. Despite the 84-75 home loss, she made quite an impact. Selecting her #6 pick over Angel Reese had a few people scratching their heads. But looking at her first-start performance, she definitely has the right tools for the WNBA. Even coach Eric Thibault had some promising words for the rookie.

The #24 of the Washington Mystics started the second home game of the season for the Mystics. Although her presence didn’t turn into a win she was knocking on the door for her first double-double. After the game, she also shared positive words for the 2024 draft class.

Edwards added 9 points and a team-high 11 rebounds to the scoreboard. Also helped the team with 2 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal for the Mystics. After an all-around performance, the coach was asked about the reason for starting the 21-year-old rookie. He explained the rationale behind his decision.

“Thought it was just a good balance with her and Steph (Stefanie Dolson) um she plays so hard. I mean you saw the way she rebounded the ball tonight and um gives us a little physicality and and athleticism in that starting group to pair alongside Steph. Kind of a natural roller-popper combo and felt like she’d earned it,” revealed the head coach for the Washington Mystics.

Thibault also praised Edwards for her rebounding skills and said, “You can see her learning game-by-game.” But why did Thibault and the Mystics ditch Angel Reese?

Why Thibault snubbed Reese in favor of Aaliyah Edwards

The LSU forward had a better season than the UConn Huskies. Reese was ahead in average points, 18.6 points to Edwards 17.6 points. While also beating her in rebounds averaging 13.4 rebounds to 9.2 rebounds. So choosing Reese wouldn’t have been a bad shout for the Mystics. But they trusted Edwards for her flexibility.

Washington Post reporter Kareem Copeland joined radio host Craig Hoffman on his podcast ‘The Hoffman Show’ and shared his take on the Mystics’ move. On evaluating the possibilities of Reese’s late draft, Copeland said, “I didn’t think they were going to go the Angel route. Just because it’s more of a style of play kind of a thing at the moment. Aaliyah Edwards has a little bit more range to her game.”

“It kind of gives them a little bit of flexibility where you can play her next to Shakira Austin and keep Shakira close to the basket and then Aaliyah can drift out towards the perimeter a little bit more…If you play her with Stephanie Dolson, Steph’s is out on the perimeter you know she’s a three-point shooter, in those instances, Aaliyah would be more closer to the basket in those cases,” explained Copeland.

Next, Aaliyah Edwards and Co. will travel to Los Angeles for a battle against the Los Angeles Sparks. Interestingly the rookie will also go against her college rivals Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson. Sparks are also without a win in their 2 games this season, so which do you think team will finally break free from their losing streak?