Ranking the 10 Biggest Favorites in the Unrivaled 1-on-1 Tournament
The highly anticipated Unrivaled 1-on-1 tournament is set to begin on Wednesday at 7:30 PM ET, with 32 of the top players competing for a $200,000 grand prize. The excitement has been building since before the season began, and the league's fan voting system has added an extra layer of engagement, allowing fans to influence the tournament's bracket. With intriguing matchups and a mix of seasoned favorites and rising stars, here's a breakdown of the 10 biggest favorites heading into the tournament.
Shakira Austin: Austin has been on a roll lately, showcasing her improved skills in recent games. Her impressive 31-point performance, coupled with 11 rebounds, in January set the tone for her February average of 20.6 points per game. However, she'll face a challenging first-round opponent in Dearica Hamby, and her height advantage will be crucial against potential second-round foes like Aaliyah Edwards or Dom Malonga, who are also tall and skilled.
Rhyne Howard: Howard, an elite player, will face a tough test in the first round against her Vinyl teammate, Rae Burrell, who has been playing well. Howard's strength lies in her dominant three-point shooting, as evidenced by her 4-of-8 performance in her last game. However, Burrell's defensive prowess in the paint will be a challenge for Howard.
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Allisha Gray: Gray's three-point shooting can be a game-changer if she gets hot. With an average of 2.3 threes and 20.0 points per game, she recently faced a slump but bounced back strongly against Rose BC. Her first-round opponent, Saniya Rivers, is known for her defensive skills, making Gray's performance even more crucial.
Kelsey Plum: Plum has been a standout three-point shooter at Unrivaled, averaging 2.6 threes per game. Her ability to consistently outperform her opponents in the first two rounds is a strong suit. However, she'll face a challenge in the second round against Skylar Diggins, who can turn it on at any moment. Plum's versatility and elite performance in other areas make her a strong contender.
Breanna Stewart: Stewart enters the tournament with a point to prove after her early exit last year. She's been playing aggressively and should feel confident based on her current performance. With an average of 19.7 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, she's a clear favorite for the first few rounds as the No. 1 seed.
Marina Mabrey: Mabrey's leadership in scoring (26.8 points per game) and three-point shooting (3.8 per game) makes her a strong contender. Her ability to take on challenges and her understanding of her strengths could propel her to victory. However, facing Sonia Citron and potentially Rhyne Howard in the second round will test her skills.
Paige Bueckers: Bueckers is a fan favorite and a force to be reckoned with. Her efficiency and entertainment value are unmatched, as she leads the league in assists with 6.7 per game. Bueckers' ability to get her own buckets, coupled with her improved defense, makes her a top-tier favorite. Her craftiness and versatility on the court will be key to her success.
Chelsea Gray: Gray has been a highlight of the season, averaging 25.1 points per game and draining 3.2 threes per game. Her ability to heat up and take over games is a threat to any opponent. While she faces a speedy and defensive-minded Natasha Cloud in the first round, her shooting efficiency will keep her in the running for the first few rounds.
Aaliyah Edwards: Edwards is the tournament's clear favorite and the only player with the experience to navigate the entire tournament. Her dominant performance last year, including victories over Breanna Stewart, Allisha Gray, and Arike Ogunbowale, showcases her ability to handle pressure. With an average of 22.3 points and a league-leading 13.6 rebounds per game, Edwards is a force to be reckoned with and a strong contender for the $200,000 prize.
