Unrivaled, the full-court 3-on-3 league, has made a significant move by signing former WNBA guard Kiana Williams to its development pool. This announcement comes as the league enters its second season with an impressive lineup of 48 players on official rosters and an additional 7 players in the developmental pool. Williams, a standout player with a rich history in the WNBA, joins a talented group of athletes in the developmental pool, including Chicago Sky guard Hailey Van Lith, Dallas Wings guards Aziaha James and Haley Jones, and more.
Williams' journey in the WNBA began with the Seattle Storm, who drafted her with the 18th overall pick in 2021. She has since played for the Storm, Connecticut Sun, and Phoenix Mercury, showcasing her versatility and skill. In the recent season, she made 11 appearances with the Mercury, averaging 4.1 points in 9.7 minutes per game. Her most recent stop was with the Turkish club Botaş SK, where she continued to make her mark.
The developmental pool is a crucial part of the league's strategy, providing a platform for players to refine their skills and gain experience. Williams joins a select group of players, including Chicago Sky guard Hailey Van Lith, Dallas Wings guards Aziaha James and Haley Jones, and others, who will train at the Unrivaled facility in Miami. These players will be assigned to teams when injuries occur, ensuring the league's smooth operation.
Unrivaled, which started its season on January 5th, boasts a diverse range of clubs, each with 6 players. The league's clubs include Mist, Hive, Vinyl, Laces, Lunar Owls, Rose, and Phantom, each with its own unique blend of talent. The clubs are: Mist Club: Allisha Gray, Breanna Stewart, Alanna Smith, Veronica Burton, Arike Ogunbowale, Li Yueru; Hive Club: Kelsey Mitchell, Sonia Citron, Ezi Magbegor, Natisha Hiedeman, Saniya Rivers, Monique Billings; Vinyl Club: Courtney Williams, Rhyne Howard, Dearica Hamby, Erica Wheeler, Rae Burrell, and Brittney Griner; Laces Club: Jackie Young, Brittney Sykes, Alyssa Thomas, Jordin Canada, Maddy Siegrist, and Naz Hillmon; Lunar Owls Club: Temi Fagbenle, Skylar Diggins, Marina Mabrey, Aaliyah Edwards, Rachel Banham, and Rebecca Allen; Rose Club: Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper, Azurá Stevens, Lexie Hull, Shakira Austin, and Sug Sutton; Phantom Club: Kelsey Plum, Satou Sabally (out with concussion), Aliyah Boston, Dana Evans, Natasha Cloud, and Kiki Iriafen.
The league's focus on player development and its commitment to providing opportunities for growth make it an exciting prospect for fans and players alike. As the season progresses, the developmental pool will play a crucial role in the league's success, offering a glimpse into the future of women's basketball.
