Unrivaled’s second season hasn’t even started yet, but one team has already emerged as an overwhelming fan favorite. Breeze BC, one of two new clubs, features Paige Bueckers, Rickea Jackson, Dominique Malonga, Cameron Brink, Kate Martin, and Aari McDonald. With the exception of McDonald, all of those players are fairly new to the W and represent a new generation of players and fans.
The talent on the roster is undeniable as well. Bueckers was just named Rookie of the Year and made the All-WNBA Second Team. Malonga and Brink are two of the most promising young bigs in the game, and Rickea Jackson is already staking her claim as one of the best young forwards. Martin and McDonald may not have the same kind of star potential, but both can play a role well and contribute on both ends of the floor.
However, the team’s youth may be a problem, and its success will come down to one question: Can youth and athleticism outlast veteran savvy and experience?
Breeze has the youngest roster in Unrivaled, but its speed and athleticism could cause serious problems
Aari McDonald is 27 years old and just finished her fifth WNBA season. That makes her Breeze’s veteran. Everyone else was either a rookie or a second-year player in the 2025 WNBA season. Moreover, Martin and Jackson are the only players with Unrivaled experience. Brink was in Miami last season but couldn’t play due to a torn ACL.
Meanwhile, other teams feature veterans like Alyssa Thomas, Breanna Stewart, Jackie Young, Dearica Hamby, Natasha Cloud, Napheesa Collier, Chelsea Gray, Brittney Griner, and Kahleah Copper. Competing with that experience could be difficult for Breeze’s young roster.
At the same time, however, Breeze’s speed and athleticism will be difficult to keep up with for some of the more veteran teams. Fast and mobile players thrive in Unrivaled and so do teams that can play fast and get up and down the court for an entire game. Breeze should be able to do that if its defensive potential translates to the court.
Malonga, Brink, and Jackson may well be the most athletic and versatile forward rotation in the league. Jackson is tall enough to compete with bigger players but also quick enough to do serious damage on the perimeter. Malonga can dunk with ease, although she hasn’t done it in a WNBA game yet. Brink is a future DPOY candidate and can shoot threes. Those three wreaking havoc on defense and running the floor on offense could be unstoppable.
Bueckers and McDonald are the perfect point guards to put around that trio. Both can play well in a fast-paced system and push the pace with the ball in their hands. Last but not least, Martin can fill any gap. She can play tough perimeter defense, run the floor on offense, or hit threes when needed.
Leaning into that speed and athleticism is Noelle Quinn’s best chance of making up for her players’ lack of experience compared to much of their opponents.