WNBATake

Your ultimate destination for electrifying WNBA news!

Aari McDonald

Aari McDonald– WNBA News, Rumors & Updates, Stats

Who is Aari McDonald?

Aari McDonald is a rising star guard in the WNBA, best known for her lightning-quick speed, relentless defense, and scoring ability. Drafted by the Atlanta Dream in 2021, she quickly established herself as one of the league’s most exciting young guards. Before turning pro, she was a standout at the University of Arizona, where she led the Wildcats to the NCAA Championship Game in 2021.

Aari McDonald – Quick Facts

Detail Information
Full Name Aari McDonald
Born August 20, 1998 (Age: 27)
Hometown Fresno, California
Height 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Position Guard
College University of Washington (2016–17), University of Arizona (2018–21)
WNBA Draft 2021 – 1st Round, 3rd Overall by Atlanta Dream
Current Team Atlanta Dream
Jersey Number #2
Notable Achievements Pac-12 Player & Defensive Player of the Year (2020, 2021), Final Four MOP (2021)
Social Media @aarimacdonald on Instagram

Early Life & College Career

Aari McDonald was born on August 20, 1998, in Fresno, California. She grew up in a basketball family and became a top player during her high school years at Brookside Christian High School and later at Washington High School in Fresno.

McDonald first enrolled at the University of Washington (2016–17 season) but later transferred to the University of Arizona, where her career truly flourished.

  • At Arizona (2018–2021), McDonald became the face of the program.

  • She averaged 20.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game in her Wildcats career.

  • In the 2021 NCAA Tournament, McDonald put the basketball world on notice by leading Arizona to its first-ever Final Four and the National Championship Game, where she nearly upset Stanford in a nail-biter.

  • She was named the Pac-12 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year (2020, 2021).

Her clutch shooting, on-ball defense, and leadership cemented her legacy as one of the greatest players in Arizona women’s basketball history.

Aari McDonald’s WNBA Career

Aari McDonald was drafted 3rd overall in the 2021 WNBA Draft by the Atlanta Dream.

  • Rookie Season (2021): McDonald played in all 32 games, averaging 6.3 points, 2.0 assists, and 1.6 rebounds per game. She showed flashes of her scoring ability, especially as a spark off the bench.

  • 2022 Season: McDonald took on a bigger role, averaging 11.1 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.3 rebounds, proving herself as a key guard for the Dream.

  • 2023 Season: Her scoring dipped slightly, but she remained a reliable playmaker and defender, contributing in multiple areas of the game.

McDonald is still developing as a young guard but has shown the speed and energy to be one of the future leaders of the Atlanta Dream and a long-term WNBA contributor.

Aari McDonald’s Career Highlights & Achievements

  • NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (2021 – Final Four run)

  • Pac-12 Player of the Year (2020, 2021)

  • Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year (2020, 2021)

  • WBCA Defensive Player of the Year (2021)

  • All-American honors (2020, 2021)

  • WNBA Top 3 Draft Pick (2021)