Big shoes were left to be filled for the Washington Mystics, who entered 2024’s season without both their longtime face of the franchise, nor two of last season’s top three scorers. Blending quickness, athleticism, and purpose into her every movement during her WNBA debut, Aaliyah Edwards presented the look of a player perfectly qualified to someday step right in. Deemed “pro-ready” from the get-go due to her collegiate résumé and Olympics experience, Edwards arrived with veteran-like poise, pairing efficient inside-the-arc play with fearless defensive play against the New York Liberty’s many stars. Edwards’ efforts helped Washington offer the Liberty — with two noteworthy league Most Valuable Players in its frontcourt — a valiant opponent from start to finish on May 14, 2024. The No. 6 pick of the 2024 WNBA Draft finished her first-ever game with six points (on two-of-four shooting), two rebounds, and one block in just 14 minutes. Edwards would ultimately ride that momentum into becoming the second-fastest rookie among this year’s already-historic group to record 100 points and 100 rebounds, showing standout glimpses throughout a promising month of June and beyond. · May 14, 2024