UConn’s Aaliyah Edwards to Enter 2024 WNBA Draft, Forgo Final Year of Eligibility
Doric SamMarch 22, 2024
Ben Hsu/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
UConn Huskies senior forward Aaliyah Edwards had another year of eligibility remaining, but she’s ready to test herself at the next level.
Edwards announced on Thursday that she will forgo her final year of eligibility and enter the 2024 WNBA draft:
Aaliyah Edwards @AaliyahEdwards_Last dance ššŗ
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11#bleedblue#focusedforward#family pic.twitter.com/qeFP2kP3Xa
Per ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, Edwards is projected to be a first-round pick in the upcoming draft, which is scheduled for April 15. She could have used her COVID-19 waiver to return for a fifth year, but she chose to turn pro.
“Although got to savor every moment because this is my last jam at UConn, I’m all in, ready to bring that championship glory back to Storrs with my squad by my side,” Edwards said in her announcement video. “Let’s have one last dance.”
Edwards emerged as a key player for the Huskies during her sophomore season and became a full-time starter as a junior. She helped lead UConn to Final Four appearances in 2021 and 2022, including a national championship game appearance in the latter.
This season, Edwards has averaged career highs of 17.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists. She shot 59.4 percent from the field and was an honorable mention All-American by AP and a second-team selection by the USBWA.
Edwards was a member of a stellar Huskies senior class that included Paige Bueckers and Nika Muhl. Bueckers announced that she will be returning for the 2024-25 campaign after she missed all of last year with a torn ACL. Muhl has announced that this season will be her last at UConn.
Edwards and the third-seeded Huskies will begin their chase for a national championship when they meet No. 14 Jackson State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday.
