Napheesa Collier wins $200K by taking Unrivaled 1-on-1 crown
Share and Follow

In the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx, Napheesa Collier won 0,000 when she defeated Washington Mystics’ forward Aaliyah Edwards in the championship of Unrivaled’s 1-on-1 tournament held in Medley, Florida.

The winner’s check was the largest one-day prize in women’s basketball history, Unrivaled commissioner Micky Lawler said, a big payday that was among the goals of Collier and fellow WNBA star Breanna Stewart when they founded the 3-on-3 league.

Unrivaled gives WNBA players opportunities to compete in the United States and earn good salaries — an especially attractive option for players who for years suited up overseas in the offseason to supplement their income.

Players earn an average salary of more than $220,000 during the eight-week season, which is close to the maximum base salary in the WNBA.

“My entire WNBA salary is what I just got in 30 minutes of playing 1-on-1,” Collier said. “Which is insane to even say. And same for (playing) overseas. A lot of people, this is their full contract, so you’re playing seven months for this kind of money.”

Collier, a No. 1 seed in the 30-player tournament, won the best-of-three series 2-1 over the eighth-seeded Edwards to become Unrivaled’s first 1-on-1 champion.

Each game between the former UConn standouts was played to a winning score of 8, with Edwards coming from behind to take the opener and Collier winning the final two.

Collier’s five Unrivaled teammates each received $10,000 from the tournament’s $350,000 prize pool. Edwards got $50,000 for reaching the final.

Collier hopes women’s basketball can embrace the 1-on-1 format.

“You see guys or boys playing in the parks — like pickup or one-on-ones, and you don’t see that on the women’s side as much,” she said. “So that’s something we’re trying to change, just that atmosphere where everything’s not as organized basketball, but just playing in your backyard or at the park.”

The win capped a dominant tournament run for Collier, who plays for Unrivaled’s Lunar Owls and leads Unrivaled in scoring at 29.3 points per game.

Earlier Friday, Collier overwhelmed former UConn teammate and No. 6 seed Azura Stevens in their semifinal matchup.

Collier scored the first eight points of the game and the reigning WNBA Defensive Player of the Year relied on stifling defense to win 11-2.

Collier breezed past Katie Lou Samuelson in the first round before winning a physical second-round battle against Rickea Jackson.

She then beat her Lynx and Lunar Owls teammate Courtney Williams to reach the semifinals.

She shot her way past Edwards in the decisive Game 3, making 4 of 6 shots and holding Edwards scoreless.

Edwards, who plays for Mist in Unrivaled, beat two top-seeded opponents on her way to the final, cruising past No. 1 seed Arike Ogunbowale 11-2 in the first semifinal matchup earlier Friday.

Before that, she shut down No. 1 seed Stewart 12-0 in the opening round. After earning a second-round bye, Edwards topped third-seeded Allisha Gray 12-6.

Ogunbowale and Stevens won $25,000 each for reaching the semifinals. Rounds up to the finals were single-elimination and played to a winning score of 11. All games had traditional scoring, with each basket worth either two or three points.

The 22-year-old Edwards is preparing for her second season with the Mystics and hopes her performance Friday shows how hard she’s been working to improve.

“I’m proud of myself. No one could take that away from me,” Edwards said. “All the work I put in. I was able to just showcase that and kind of let everyone know that, you know, I’m not one to play with.”

Collier noted that the physicality of some matchups left a lot of players gassed during the tournament, which is something she said could be addressed next season.

She’d love to see a similar event for NBA players.

“It’s up to the players if they want to do it,” Collier said. “You’re putting your name on the line. You’re putting your reputation on the line. It’s a vulnerable situation. So again, I really commend everyone who competed in this because … anyone can win.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
John Oliver slams Megyn Kelly's 'pedophile math' after Epstein comment

John Oliver Criticizes Megyn Kelly Over Controversial Epstein Remarks: A Deep Dive into ‘Pedophile Math

John Oliver has joined the ranks of critics taking aim at Megyn…
Rev. Jesse Jackson remains stable in Chicago hospital for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, not on life support, family says

Rev. Jesse Jackson to Transition from ICU in Ongoing Supranuclear Palsy Treatment

CHICAGO — The Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. is set to be transferred…
How a family secret led Greg Bovino to lead Trump's border crackdown

Unveiling the Family Secret that Propelled Greg Bovino to Spearhead Trump’s Border Policy

A childhood marked by tragedy significantly influenced Greg Bovino, the determined figurehead…
Trump fans conspiracy theories saying 'things' added to Epstein files

Trump Fuels Speculation: Claims ‘Things’ Were Added to Epstein Documents Sparks Conspiracy Theories

During a recent discussion aboard Air Force One, Donald Trump hinted that…
Trump foe hits back at president's attack on his recent marriage

Political Showdown: Trump Critic Defends Marriage Amid Presidential Backlash

Thomas Massie, a political opponent of Donald Trump, has responded following a…
Trump says US may have discussions with Venezuela's Maduro as aircraft carrier arrives in Caribbean

Trump Indicates Potential Talks with Venezuela’s Maduro Amid Arrival of US Aircraft Carrier in Caribbean

President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of engaging in dialogue with…
Wall Street hits 'extreme fear' as stocks plunge AGAIN

Wall Street Faces ‘Extreme Fear’ as Stock Market Experiences Another Downturn

Wall Street experienced another significant downturn on Monday, impacting Americans’ retirement funds…
Why more Americans than ever are attending nondenominational churches

Discover the Rise: Why Nondenominational Churches Are Captivating American Spiritual Seekers

At Rooftop Church, located just outside the vibrant city of St. Louis,…