UConn basketball will celebrate one of its most consistent stars Wednesday night, when WNBA standout and UConn alum Aaliyah Edwards becomes the latest Huskies of Honor member before the women's team hosts Xavier at Gampel Pavilion.
Edwards epitomized reliability throughout her career at UConn, missing just three games in four seasons while steadily improving her game. She earned BIG EAST Sixth Woman of the Year in 2021 and BIG EAST Most Improved Player in 2023. In her final year, she collected 2024 All-BIG EAST, Wooden Award All-American, and WBCA All-American honors.
The Kingston, Ontario native racked up 1,861 points and 1,020 rebounds through her four years, finishing 16th in program history in total career points and eighth in rebounds. The Washington Mystics took Edwards No. 6 overall in the 2024 WNBA draft, before a midseason trade saw her join the Connecticut Sun last year.
Legendary UConn basketball coach Geno Auriemma praised Edwards's approach, celebrating both her improvement and her drive during a rough run for the now-No. 1 team.
"Sometimes careers go smoothly; sometimes it's rocky," said Auriemma. "[Edwards] managed to make the best out of a very difficult situation."
Her No. 3 jersey will be added to the wall at Gampel Pavilion during tonight's ceremony.
Of course, today's reigning NCAA champions enter the Xavier rematch on a perfect 21-0 record, having won 16 consecutive victories by at least 25 points. The Huskies routed the unranked Musketeers 104-39 in their first meeting back in late November, hitting a season-high 18 three-pointers while forcing 31 turnovers.
Despite their odds, Auriemma emphasized that UConn basketball must avoid complacency going forward. The team already faced challenges against Seton Hall in Saturday's weather-impacted matchup, overcoming an early deficit to win 92-52.
How to watch UConn basketball in this week's NCAA slate
UConn tips off against Xavier on Wednesday at 7 PM ET, live on Peacock.
However, bigger tests are looming as the Huskies prepare to face SEC mainstay No. 15 Tennessee this Sunday at 12 PM ET, live on FOX.