Unrivaled, the innovative 3-on-3 women’s basketball league, has been a major offseason showcase for WNBA talent, allowing players to hone their skills in a competitive setting while also engaging with fans in a more intimate atmosphere. Several stars have taken full advantage of the league’s fast-paced style, elevating their profiles ahead of the upcoming WNBA season.
Skylar Diggins-Smith (Seattle Storm, Lunar Owls BC)
Skylar Diggins-Smith, a six-time WNBA All-Star, returned to the league in 2024 after missing the 2023 season due to maternity leave and contract disputes with the Phoenix Mercury. She signed with the Seattle Storm, bringing veteran leadership to a team looking to rebuild around young stars.
In Unrivaled, she has thrived as the floor general for Lunar Owls BC, leading the team to an 11-1 record, the best in the league. Diggins-Smith has been a scoring and playmaking machine, averaging 18.5 points and 5.7 assists per game. Her ability to create shots for herself and teammates has been instrumental in her team’s dominance.
Her resurgence in Unrivaled has reaffirmed her status as one of the elite guards in women’s basketball, proving that she remains a top-tier player heading into her first full WNBA season with the Storm.
Chelsea Gray (Las Vegas Aces, Rose BC)
A WNBA champion and Finals MVP with the Las Vegas Aces, Chelsea Gray has long been known for her clutch play and high basketball IQ. As a key member of the Aces’ back-to-back championship runs in 2022 and 2023, she has built a reputation as one of the most unshakable players in high-pressure moments.
With Rose BC in Unrivaled, Gray has further cemented her legacy, averaging 21.3 points and 6.2 assists per game. She has emerged as a strong MVP candidate, particularly after a 26-point, seven-assist performance that secured her team’s playoff spot.
Her experience as a floor leader has been invaluable, helping younger players develop while reminding WNBA teams that she remains one of the best guards in the game.
Angel Reese (Chicago Sky, Rose BC)
After a standout college career at LSU, Angel Reese was selected by the Chicago Sky in the first round of the 2024 WNBA Draft. She quickly made an impact as a rookie, averaging 15.2 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, solidifying herself as one of the league’s top young forwards.
In Unrivaled, Reese has taken her game to another level with Rose BC, leading the league in rebounding with an average of 12.3 rebounds per game. Known for her aggressive play and relentless energy, Reese has played a key role in Rose BC’s five-game winning streak, positioning them as serious playoff contenders. Her performances have silenced critics and demonstrated that her game translates well in any setting.
Her defensive tenacity and rebounding dominance have solidified her reputation as one of the most promising young stars in professional basketball.
Aaliyah Edwards (Washington Mystics, Mist BC)
Aaliyah Edwards, a standout at UConn, was drafted by the Washington Mystics in 2024 and has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most promising young forwards in the league. In her rookie WNBA season, she averaged 10.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, proving to be a solid contributor for a Mystics team in transition.
With Mist BC in Unrivaled, Edwards has taken major strides in her offensive game, showing improved footwork in the post and a more consistent mid-range jumper. She also shined in the league’s 1v1 tournament, competing against some of the best scorers and proving she can hold her own.
Her continued development suggests she could be a breakout star for the Mystics in the upcoming WNBA season.
Brittney Griner (Phoenix Mercury, Phantom BC)
One of the most dominant centers in women’s basketball history, Brittney Griner returned to the WNBA in 2023 after her highly publicized detainment in Russia. In her first season back with the Phoenix Mercury, she averaged 17.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, showing that she was still a force to be reckoned with.
In Unrivaled, Griner has continued to refine her game while playing for Phantom BC, averaging 16.9 points per game. What’s particularly intriguing is her increased emphasis on perimeter shooting, as she has experimented with a three-point shot, adding another dimension to her already formidable offensive arsenal.
Her consistent play and adaptability demonstrate that she remains a dominant presence in the paint while evolving her game for the modern era of basketball.
Unrivaled has not only provided a new competitive stage for these athletes but has also helped them fine-tune their skills and enhance their reputations heading into the WNBA season. Whether it’s Angel Reese’s dominance on the glass, Skylar Diggins-Smith’s resurgence, or Chelsea Gray’s continued brilliance, the league has been a game-changer for many of the sport’s biggest names.
As these players return to their respective WNBA teams, their performances in Unrivaled will serve as a springboard for greater success in the 2025 season. Fans can expect to see a more polished and confident group of athletes ready to make their mark.