Introduction to Unrivaled’s Rising Stars
The inaugural season of Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 women’s basketball league, has provided a platform for WNBA players to develop their skills and gain confidence during the offseason. Los Angeles Sparks guard Rae Burrell has seen significant improvements in her game, including her defense, court vision, passing, and confidence.
Founders’ Vision
Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart co-founded Unrivaled to give superstar players an offseason option to develop their skills in a competitive environment while earning good salaries. The league has been a success, with veterans like Collier, Chelsea Gray, and Kayla McBride delivering dominant performances. However, one of Unrivaled’s biggest successes has been how it has helped rising stars refine their skills and gain confidence to carry into their upcoming WNBA seasons.
Rising Stars Take Center Stage
Monday’s championship game between Rose and Vinyl will feature some of the WNBA’s most electric rising stars who made their mark during Unrivaled’s eight-week regular season. Angel Reese, who is coming off a record-setting rookie season with the WNBA’s Chicago Sky, helped Rose BC secure the No. 2 seed in Unrivaled’s playoffs.
Angel Reese: A Star on the Rise
Reese was named Unrivaled Defensive Player of the Year after leading the league with 12.1 rebounds per game. She led Rose with eight blocked shots and anchored Unrivaled’s best scoring defense, which held opponents to 65.2 points per game. Reese also had a 22-point, 21-rebound game on Feb. 21, when Rose handed Collier and the Lunar Owls their only loss of the regular season.
Related video: Angel Reese reacts to WNBA All-Star selection
Reese has developed as a facilitator, with her Unrivaled teammates and opponents praising her leadership and basketball intelligence. She has also worked with four-time Olympic gold medalist Lisa Leslie at Unrivaled on finishing around the rim.
Other Notable Players
Rhyne Howard, who is entering her fourth season with the Atlanta Dream, has been one of the most consistent Unrivaled players this season, dominating on both ends of the floor. Aaliyah Edwards, who at 22 is one of the youngest players at Unrivaled, was the breakout star of the midseason 1-on-1 tournament. Edwards said playing alongside veterans like Stewart and Jewell Loyd on Mist BC has helped her elevate her game.
Unrivaled’s Impact
Games at Unrivaled are fast and physical, consisting of some of the best basketball players in the world. Players are trained by coaches with WNBA and NBA experience, including Naismith Hall of Famer Teresa Weatherspoon and longtime NBA assistant Phil Handy. This environment has allowed rising stars to refine their skills and gain confidence, making Unrivaled a valuable platform for player development.
Conclusion
The inaugural season of Unrivaled has been a success, providing a platform for WNBA players to develop their skills and gain confidence during the offseason. Rising stars like Angel Reese, Rhyne Howard, and Aaliyah Edwards have shined, refining their skills and gaining valuable experience. As the league continues to grow, it will be exciting to see how these players perform in the upcoming WNBA season.
FAQs
Q: What is Unrivaled?
A: Unrivaled is a 3-on-3 women’s basketball league founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.
Q: Who are some of the rising stars that have shined in Unrivaled’s inaugural season?
A: Angel Reese, Rhyne Howard, and Aaliyah Edwards are some of the notable rising stars who have made their mark in Unrivaled’s inaugural season.
Q: What is the purpose of Unrivaled?
A: The purpose of Unrivaled is to provide a platform for WNBA players to develop their skills and gain confidence during the offseason, while also earning good salaries.
Q: Who are some of the coaches involved in Unrivaled?
A: Coaches with WNBA and NBA experience, including Naismith Hall of Famer Teresa Weatherspoon and longtime NBA assistant Phil Handy, are involved in Unrivaled.
