The Minnesota Lynx made an addition to their offense by selecting Utah power forward Alissa Pili with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft held in New York on Monday, April 15, 2024.
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Pili, known for her scoring prowess, emerges as the fourth-highest scorer in Division I basketball over the past two seasons, averaging 21.1 points per game.
Hailing from Alaska and of Samoan and Alaska Native descent, Pili brings a unique blend of skills, combining inside scoring with perimeter shooting and displaying physicality reminiscent of her football background.
In her post-draft interview, Lynx president of basketball operations and coach Cheryl Reeve acknowledged Pili’s offensive talent while highlighting the need for defensive development.
Reeve expressed confidence in Pili’s ability to adapt to the WNBA level defensively, emphasizing the team’s focus on nurturing her defensive skills while leveraging her natural offensive abilities.
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Raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Pili began her collegiate career at USC before transferring to Utah for her final two seasons. Despite facing adversity, including injuries to teammates, Pili led the Utes to the NCAA tournament, demonstrating her leadership and scoring prowess on the court.
Pili’s offensive prowess was evident throughout her college career, where she showcased versatility, physicality, and scoring ability. With a shooting percentage of 55% overall and 40.4% from beyond the arc, Pili proved to be a formidable offensive threat, consistently delivering high-scoring performances.
Excited about joining the Lynx and learning from seasoned players like Napheesa Collier, Pili expressed her eagerness to contribute to the team’s success. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of family and heritage, embodying humility and a desire to inspire young athletes from similar backgrounds.
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