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UConn was among the big winners in the 2024 WNBA Draft as Aaliyah Edwards and Nika Muhl were picked in the first and second rounds, respectively, in the annual event on Monday at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York.
Edwards was picked sixth overall by the Washington Mystics, while the Seattle Storm called Muhl's name as the 14th pick in the draft.
The six-foot-three Canadian was one of the top producers for the Huskies this season, as she was their top rebounder and second-leading scorer. Edwards helped UConn make the Final Four and conclude the season with a 33-6 record.
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On the other hand, Muhl, a 5-10 point guard from Zagreb, Croatia, is coming off a season where she led the team in assists and was one of the top defensive specialists on the team, swiping away balls at a proficient rate.
Also Read: Why does Aaliyah Edwards wear a mask? Exploring reasons behind UConn star's face accessory
UConn Huskies players drafted in the 2024 WNBA Draft
#1 Aaliyah Edwards
Edwards is a do-it-all forward that operates more on the inside. The Kingston, Ontario native has provided the muscle for UConn in the past two seasons, averaging at least nine rebounds on both occasions. Her final season with UConn was splendid, as she averaged season-highs of 17.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists.
Edwards is a dependable presence on the field, shooting 59.3% in her four-year stint with UConn and is a proficient free-throw shooter, making 73.6% of her foul shots in her career. She has also proven that she is tough enough to play in the shaded area despite the physicality of other players and the risk of getting injured again.
Washington would likely place her in the small forward/power forward position, where she will be paired with Shakira Austin in manning the middle for the Mystics.
#2 Nika Muhl
Muhl was the Huskies' one-two punch in the guard rotation. She was paired with uber-talented Paige Bueckers and set up the plays for the team.
Muhl's 2022-23 season was her career year as she averaged 7.1 points and 7.9 assists per game in 36.5 minutes. She made a comeback in the 2023-24 season where she played 36 games and averaged 6.9 points, 6.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals.
The Croatian is a good passer, as she can find open teammates at perfect spots. Muhl has improved on her 3-point shooting in her last season with UConn at 40.2%. She can maximize this in the next stage of her career as pro players would likely give her an open look from the outside rather than letting her in for an easy basket.
The Storm will likely use Muhl as a backup point guard or a playmaker, which would help top player Jewel Lloyd concentrate more on offense. She is also a dependable shooter who can free up the inside lane when needed.
Complete List of 2024 WNBA draft picks
Here is the complete list of players who were drafted in the 2024 WNBA draft:
1st Round
2nd Round
3rd Round
Will Aaliyah Edwards and Nika Muhl make an immediate impact in the 2024 WNBA season? Let us know your views in the comments section.
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