Former Wildcat Aari McDonald makes WNBA All-Rookie Team

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 17: Aari McDonald #4 of the Atlanta Dream drives around Brittney Sykes #15 of the Los Angeles Sparks during the first half of a game at Staples Center on August 17, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 17: Aari McDonald #4 of the Atlanta Dream drives around Brittney Sykes #15 of the Los Angeles Sparks during the first half of a game at Staples Center on August 17, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)

Following a tremendous rookie season in the WNBA, former Wildcat star Aari McDonald was named to the WNBA’s All-Rookie Team. 

The WNBA season is quickly wrapping up, and while Aari McDonald’s season may be done, the accolades are still rolling in for the former Wildcat basketball star.

Coming into the year as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft, expectations were a bit lofty for the rookie guard, especially as she ran through the NCAA Tournament, and put together a spectacular career at Arizona.

However, in 2021, Aari had to learn to remain patient and wait until she got more opportunities, especially in a league of professionals that includes players that were stars at their respective previous colleges/destinations.

Well, seeing a limited role in which she appeared in just 30 games, Aari still made her impact felt, especially as she finished the year averaging 16.4 minutes per game while scoring a respectable 6.3 points, 2.0 assists, and 1.6 rebounds per game.

And following a respectable rookie season, Aari McDonald was named to the All-Rookie team by the WNBA.

Making news on Tuesday was that McDonald added to her extensive list of accolades and awards by being named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team. This of course is on the heels of being named to the Associated Press WNBA All-Rookie Team.

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, and as she continues to develop and get better, Aari has the makings to potentially be a star in this league.

This past season with Atlanta, Aari had three games in which she tied her career-best three times by scoring 15 points.

With a possible increased role coming in 2022, she has the opportunity to take a big step forward next season, as well as continue to prove why she was such a dominant player in college!

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