The Minnesota Lynx added firepower to their squad this week, selecting University of Utah forward Alissa Pili in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
“It was definitely a lot of nerves building up to the moment,” Pili remarked regarding the draft experience. “It’s such a surreal feeling, and so many emotions, especially with my family being there, and just looking back to everything that I did to get there, it was an amazing feeling.”
Pili, the eighth overall pick, joins the Lynx after a highly decorated collegiate career that included excellent scoring abilities. She was selected the PAC-12 Player of the Year and made First Team All-Conference.
“It is a rapid turnaround from my collegiate season, but I am looking forward to it
“I’m super excited,” she said. The Minnesota Lynx added firepower to their roster this week by selecting University of Utah forward Alissa Pili in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
“It was definitely a lot of nerves building up to the moment,” Pili said about his draft experience. “It’s such a surreal feeling, and so many emotions, especially with my family being there, and just looking back to everything that I did to get there, it was an amazing feeling.”
Pili, the eighth overall choice, comes to the Lynx following a highly decorated collegiate career that included outstanding scoring abilities. She was named the PAC-12 Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference.
“It is a quick turnaround from my collegiate season, but I am looking forward to it.”
This year’s WNBA draft was one of the most anticipated, thanks in part to Iowa Hawkeyes standout Caitlin Clark, who was picked by the Indiana Fever, as well as other outstanding players such as Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, who were both drafted by Chicago Sky.
“When I first started college, it wasn’t like this at all,” Pili told me. “So you see how the sport has developed, and how all these fantastic female athletes are receiving the accolades they deserve? It’s a very cool thing.”
The Lynx’s head coach spoke with MPR News earlier this week on the growing popularity of women’s basketball.
“I think the timing of someone like Caitlin Clark is really incredible to sort of maximize the movement that had already begun,” Cheryl Reeve, Lynx Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations, stated. “We saw that in the NBA with Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.”
Reeve stated that Pili will be one of the team’s power forwards.
Pili is from an athletic family. Her brother, Brandon Pili, plays for the Miami Dolphins in the NFL. However, Alissa Pili claims that people should keep an eye out for her younger brother.
“He plays football and, you know, all of us grew up playing a bunch of different sports, but I think when he gets older, he’s going to be the star of the family,” said Pili.
The Lynx also selected University of Louisville guard Kiki Jefferson in the third round.
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