minneapolis — Alyssa Pirri is used to being a star — The Minnesota Lynx rookie has dominated virtually every level of basketball since he was a kid.
As a freshman at the University of Southern California, she averaged 16.3 points per game, and in her final season at the University of Utah, she became one of the most talented high-volume scorers in the country, averaging 21.4 points per game in 55 games. Recorded. % shooting percentage and 40.4% from three.
Pili was drafted by the Lynx in the eighth pick in April. And like many first-year players, her opportunities to play on the court were limited. She appeared in 22 games during the 2024 season, averaging 2.4 points in 6.3 minutes per game.
The transition from being a star player in college to someone who mostly sits on the bench wasn't without its challenges.
“It definitely took a toll mentally,” Pili told SB Nation. “I've never been in this position before, but the coaches know that.”
But thanks to the unique connections and camaraderie in the Lynx locker room and unwavering support from Cheryl Reeve and the coaching staff, Pili found his footing.
“Finding ways to help the team and impact the team, not just on the court, was the biggest learning for me,” Pili said. “And I still have good communication with my coaches and team, telling them where my head is and the challenges I’m going through.”
Now, Piri heads to Game 5. WNBA Although she's only checked in once in the Finals and this postseason, the 23-year-old is thoroughly enjoying the journey of being on one of the best teams in the world and learning from her more veteran teammates.
“There aren't many rookies who can be in this position that I'm in, and the fact that our team is so successful makes it really fun to be a part of it,” Pili said. “It's been a great learning experience. I'm trying to absorb everything.”
Cheryl Reeve has said multiple times that she noticed the team had a unique connection from the second day of training camp. Courtney Williams gushed about how much he loved the Lynx during his first season in Minneapolis, and Napheesa Collier reiterated how special this group is.
Alyssa Pirri has shared that sentiment since arriving at training camp just weeks after the end of the college season.
“Honestly, it caught me off guard that this team came together so quickly,” Pili said. “I've seen it since my college days. It's very difficult for any team to just bring in a ton of new players and build chemistry and be good right away. Coach Sherrill said that And I was like, 'Damn, that's kind of crazy.'
Pili, who grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, said she prioritizes connections and community. So the fact that she felt so included in the locker room and hit it off with her teammates right away was especially meaningful.
“I come from a large family, so those are the values I bring to my work,” Pili said. “My job is to play basketball, and those are the qualities I bring to the team. I like being surrounded by those kinds of things.”
But rather than getting frustrated with her limited opportunities on the court, she has found her voice in the locker room and embraced being a positive spirit on the bench and within the team.
“The biggest thing was finding my place on the team and what I can do to contribute if I'm not going to be on the floor all the time,” Pili said. “No one wants a player who's just going to take energy away from the team and be upset about being on the bench.”
Something happened on the court this season that gave Pili a glimpse of what his future in the WNBA might hold. It was against the Phoenix Mercury on May 31st, when he exploded for 20 points on 7-for-9 shooting in just 15 minutes of play. .
She made all four 3-pointers in the game, showing a glimpse of how her game can translate at the professional level.
“It definitely gives me confidence,” Pili said. “I may not be ready to consistently compete at a high level in the league, but the fact that I experienced that game and had that moment of good performance gives me hope and confidence for the future. It was given to me.”
For now, it's not that hard to think positively about your limited playing time. Simply because I really enjoyed my experience as a Lynx.
“The veterans helped me a lot because some were like, 'Piri, don't worry about that, he didn't play a minute all season when he was a rookie.' Pili said. “They just let me know that my time was approaching.”
