Not only is Unrivaled rapidly establishing itself as one of the most intriguing competitions in the current basketball landscape, but it has also demonstrated that it can be a platform for underutilised players to prove they can star if given the right opportunity. Connecticut Sun forward Aaliyah Edwards is doing exactly this, forcing the franchise to provide the Lunar Owls' scoring sensation a stage to make her mark in the WNBA.
When referring to Edwards as a player, “devastating scorer” may not be the first term an analyst would use to describe the former UConn star. Edwards is considered an energetic presence on the floor who embodies hard work, grit, a tough defensive mentality, and the willingness to do anything to help her teammates chalk up the win.
During the 2025 WNBA season, in which she featured for both the Washington Mystics and Connecticut Sun, Edwards recorded 5.4 points and 3.7 rebounds in around 15 minutes per game. After joining the Sun, it was evident that the 23-year-old would still not be a prominent option in the offensive game plan, as she averaged four field-goal attempts each game she played.
Nevertheless, Unrivaled has shown that this lack of utilisation is not because Edwards does not have the attributes to anchor an offense, but simply that she is not being provided an ample chance to do so.
Edwards is on a scoring tear for the Lunar Owls
The Lunar Owls may be languishing at the depths of the Unrivaled standings with just two wins in nine games; however, this has not prevented Aaliyah Edwards from stringing together a stunning set of scintillating performances. If anything, this has allowed her to thrive offensively.
Edwards has featured in seven games for the Owls, averaging a whopping 21.4 points and 13 rebounds, while shooting 56.8% from the floor. The UConn graduate's greatest showing came during the 84-72 defeat to the Laces, in which she scored 38 points in 21 minutes, draining 12-19 of her field-goal attempts.
After finishing the 2025 season with a record of 11-33, the Connecticut Sun must move swiftly to find a solution to the issues that limited this roster's ability to win games. Edwards has proven she can be the answer. Can the franchise expect a player to replicate the scoring capabilities she has showcased in Unrivaled? No. A 3v3 format differs from the spacing and offensive scenarios that are created in a regular 5v5 matchup.
Nevertheless, increasing her responsibility in attacking situations will benefit the team and the player. This cannot solely be a move to ensure Edwards can put up more shots; the Sun front office must tinker with the roster and acquire players who can effectively space the floor, creating chances for Edwards to get to her spots on the interior without being crowded out by defenders.
Aaliyah Edwards' Unrivaled performances are proving that her offensive ability is far superior to what the Connecticut Sun and Washington Mystics have previously given her credit for. Now, Connecticut has the opportunity to alter the franchise's destiny for the coming season by constructing a squad of players that complements the 23-year-old's skill set.