The Future of Connecticut Sun Forward: How Unrivaled Could Make a Difference
Imagine the thrill of watching your favorite athletes transform their skills during the offseason—this is exactly what fans of the Connecticut Sun can look forward to this year! With three standout players from the team—Saniya Rivers, Marina Mabrey, and Aaliyah Edwards—participating in the second annual Unrivaled basketball season, there will be no shortage of excitement to follow while the WNBA takes a break.
Aaliyah Edwards and Marina Mabrey will be teaming up on the Lunar Owls BC, while Saniya Rivers will join one of the new expansion squads, Hive BC. The Unrivaled season kicks off with an intriguing matchup on January 5 at 1 p.m. EST in Miami, Florida, where Hive will face off against Mist. Meanwhile, the Lunar Owls will take the court a day later, on January 6, at 8 p.m. EST, going head-to-head with Rose BC.
Unrivaled isn’t just another basketball league; it’s a unique platform for WNBA players from all over the country to hone their skills and connect with one another. But here’s where it gets interesting: among the trio of Connecticut players, Aaliyah Edwards stands to gain the most from this experience, especially if she impresses during the games.
During the Sun's 2025 season, a group of rookies, including Rivers, Aneesah Morrow, and Leïla Lacan, caught the eye of fans and analysts alike. Although 23-year-old Aaliyah Edwards demonstrated her potential on the court, she didn’t quite steal the spotlight this season. By the end of the year, she had averaged 5.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game with an impressive shooting percentage of 44.8%.
However, the Unrivaled season presents Edwards with a golden opportunity to showcase her talent and underscore her value to the Connecticut Sun as they approach the 2026 season. Despite her quieter presence on the team, her skill set speaks volumes.
Drafted 6th overall from UConn during the first round of the 2024 WNBA draft, she made a notable debut that same year with the Washington Mystics. In her rookie season, Edwards averaged 7.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while shooting an impressive 49.0%. However, her journey took a turn in August 2025 when she was traded to the Sun in exchange for guard Jacy Sheldon, who is 25 years old, and a first-round pick for 2026.
Not only does the Unrivaled season give Edwards a chance to gain more recognition, but it also facilitates her ongoing development of skills that could significantly enhance her WNBA performance. Given the Sun's disappointing performance last season, any improvement would be a welcome addition. With players like Edwards stepping up during the offseason, Connecticut has the potential to reshape their strategy and aim for a much stronger campaign next year, possibly even positioning themselves for a playoff run.
But what do you think? Will Unrivaled truly provide the boost that Aaliyah Edwards needs to shine in the upcoming WNBA season? Join the conversation and share your thoughts!
