According to ESPN’s rankings, Aaliyah Edwards came to Connecticut as the No.23 overall prospect. She was also No.3 in Position rank.
As a freshman, Edwards averaged 10.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game; those are good numbers for a freshman. Many people were looking for Edwards to take a step to the next level. During her sophomore season, she took a step back with her points, and rebounds per game went down. Edwards scored 7.9 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. But she did help Connecticut make the National Championship, which they lost to the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Coming into this season, the Huskies have dealt with many injuries; Paige Bueckers is out for the season, and Azzi Fudd has missed some time. In addition, Nika Muhl and a couple of other players have been out too. With many key players missing time, the Huskies need players to step, and Edwards has led the way.
Edwards Stepping up
Edwards has played outstanding this season; she was named the MVP in the Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase against Flordia State, her second honor after being named the MVP of the Phil Knight Legacy Tournament three weeks prior.
“I’m enjoying how we started off this season a lot,” Edwards said. “Unfortunately, we do have a lot of injuries and some adversity that we’re facing right now. But I think, individually, I’m just doing whatever my team and my coaches need me to do to get the dub at the end of the day.”
Against Florida State, Edwards scored a career-high 26 points in the game. Prior she scored 25 points in a loss to Maryland. Edwards had four straight games with double-doubles in late November and early December. On Dec. 28, in a win against Cregitthon, Edwards grabbed a career-high 20 rebounds.
This year Edwards is averaging 17.4 points and 9.8 rebounds per game while shooting 61% from the field; she is one reason why UConn is off to an 11-2 start.
“She’s doing a little bit of everything and that’s what we need,” associate head coach Chris Dailey said. “And she in each game has been able to; whatever we’ve needed, she’s been able to provide.”
One of the things that Edwards has improved is her mid-range jumper. She has put up a lot of shots in practice to improve her jump shot. “Different teams scout me differently now,” Edwards added. “But last year most teams would sag off of me. So, me being able to consistently hit that 15-footer has been effective for me this season. I just go into the gym and put up lots and lots of shots and practice making those shots. “
Edwards has scored 20 points or more six times this season; if she can continue to play this way, UConn could be dangerous in the tournament when Connecticut can get healthy.
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