Former Wildcat: Aari McDonald makes AP All-Rookie team, in WNBA

Following a respectable start to her WNBA career, former Wildcat basketball star Aari McDonald earns All-Rookie honors from Associated Press. 

It is playoff time in the WNBA, and while Aari McDonald and the Atlanta Dream may not be participating this time, the future is bright for the former Wildcat and her squad.

As you all hopefully recall, Aari was selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft by the Atlanta Dream, following a spectacular and historic career in Arizona.

Coming into the year, expectations were fairly high too, after all, she pretty much ran through the NCAA Tournament and dominated College Basketball for the previous 3-4 seasons.

In 2021, for the first time perhaps ever for her, Aari had to learn to remain patient and wait until she got more opportunities, especially in a league of professionals that were stars at their respective colleges/previous destinations.

Playing in 30 games and averaging 16.4 minutes per game, Aari had a bit of a smaller role but still made her impact felt, finishing the year averaging 6.3 points, 2.0 assists, and 1.6 rebounds per game.

Well, following a respectable rookie season, Aari McDonald was named to the All-Rookie team by the Associated Press.

Making news just days ago, McDonald added to her extensive list of accolades and awards by being named to the Associated Press All-Rookie team, and the distinction shouldn’t be all that surprising.

While her production was down compared to her years at Arizona, she was still one of the higher producers among rookies in the WNBA this season. As she continues to grow and develop, the sky is the limit for her.

Already, she had three games this past season in which she scored 15 points (her career-high in the WNBA so far).

With an increased role likely coming in 2022, she could feasibly take a big step and continue to prove why she was such a dominant player in college!