Unralied's highly anticipated 1V1 tournament begins on Monday night and has 16 outstanding in the first round WNBA Players: Nafisa Collier, Katie Lou Samuelson, Chelsea Gray, Shakira Austin, Karea Copper, Aliya Boston, Rain Howard, Lexie Hull, Skylar Diggins Smith, Deaika Humvee, Alisha Gray , Jordan Canada, Jackie Young, Ricky Jackson, Breanna Stewart, Aaliyah Edwards.
Another seven players have made it to the second round of the playoffs, including Arike Ogunbowale, Rae Burrell, Azura Stevens, Courtney Williams, Satou Sabally and Dijonai Carrington. That's because the players they plan to compete in are injured. Ogunbowale had goodbye from the Jump, with media and fan votes.
Due to prolonged injuries, to prioritize player well-being in regular season games, Unralibled will combine two first-round sessions of the 1-on-1 tournament announced by Sprite into one session . The first round will be aired from 7pm to 9pm at Wayfair Arena… pic.twitter.com/jxslcfovgd
– Unparalleled basketball (@unrivaledwbb) February 9, 2025
The one-on-one game is single elimination and is played at 11 points or 10 minutes in length. Winners will advance to the next round of the tournament, which continues on Tuesday, February 11th.
Which WNBA players are competing in the first round, and who do you expect to win?
The reality is that anything can happen in these first round games, with the game being very shot and the winner keeping the ball. All 16 players have realistic shots coming out of the first round as long as they get hot.
Either way, there will be a SB Nation pick in the first round of the 1V1 tournament.
Napheesa Collier vs Katie Lue Samuelson: A simple choice here is Naphesa Collier, the most dominant player in unprecedented comparisons this season, averaging 29.3 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. Collier couldn't be stopped by the post and was an elite defender around him. She has the edge over Katie Lutha Muelson, who was the third lowest scoring player this season.
Prediction: Naphesa Collier's advances
Chelsea Gray vs Shakira Austin: This is a bit of a discrepancy, but it's not certain who can take advantage of the more benefits. Chelsea Gray is 5'11 and Shakira Austin is 6'5. If Gray can get an offensive rhythm, it'll be hard for Austin to keep up with her around.
Prediction: Chelsea Gray's progress
Kahleah Copper vs Aliyah Boston: At her best, Kahleah Copper is one of the best scorers in the game, and when unparalleled, she averages 16.6 points per game. She could get hot with this one. Aliya Boston (6'5) has four inches on her, but copper is 6'1, allowing her to hold herself defensively.
Prediction: Kahleah copper advances
Rhyne Howard vs Lexie Hull:Rhyne Howard has a size that makes life difficult for Lexie Hull, but he bets that Hull gets hot from the outside and rolls a bit. Hal filmed for the fever later in the year. She's my sleeper for a bit of running here, despite having a slightly limited onball game than most other players on this list.
Prediction: Lexie Hull's advances
Skylar Diggins-Smith vs Dearica Hamby: Diggins-Smith and Hamby are two of Unralibled's best players this season. Humvees are the league's third-highest scorer with 21.2 points per game, with a formidable paint presence. But Diggins-Smith can get hot from the outside and she has that edge in the 1V1 tournament. She is also a strong defender who is a fiery competitor. Diggins-Smith is 5'9 and Hamby is 6'3, so she's got more dusty with this one. However, some hot shootings can take her.
Prediction: Skylar Diggins-Smith Advances
Allisha Gray vs Jordin Canada: Alisha Gray is in unparalleled tears, averaging 19.5 points as the league's third goal scorer. She also had a great record of winning these types of competitions. He won both the skill challenge and the 3-point contest at last year's WNBA All-Star Weekend. Gray is suitable for 1v1. But if anyone can slow her down, it could be her Atlanta dream teammate. Canada is well-versed in Gray's games and is also an elite defender.
Prediction: Alisha Grey's advances
Jackie Young vs. Ricket Jackson: This was a tough choice. Young is a more refined, offensive player, but she's injured and not 100%. Jackson is a killer midrange scorer and may be able to run a bit in this tournament despite his lack of experience.
Prediction: Rickea Jackson Advances
Breanna Stewart vs Aaliyah Edwards: Edwards has had a solid season so far, but I'm a perennial MVP contender and gives Breanna Stewart the edge, who can score in a variety of ways. Stewart averaged 18.4 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, while Edwards averaged 9.3 points and 4.5 rebounds. Edwards may be able to hold herself, but far more veteran Stewarts dominate.
Prediction: Breanna Stewart Advances
Which unparalleled player hasn't played in the tournament?
The league announced on Sunday that seven players will be injured and will abandon the competition: Natasha Cloud, Alyssa Thomas, Tiffany Hayes, Marina Mabry, Kate Martin, Britney Sykes and Kayla McBride .
Additionally, five players were not expected to participate from the jump: Brittney Griner, Sabrina Ionescu, Angel Reese, Stefanie Dolson, and Courtney Vandersloot.
The second round of the 1V1 tournament will take place on Tuesday, February 11th at 7pm ET. The tournament concludes on Friday, February 14th, with the winners winning a $200,000 prize (and the final four participants earning $25,000).
