UTAH UTES

Former Utah WBB Star Alissa Pili Is One Of Many Headliners In 2024 WNBA Draft

Apr 15, 2024, 7:16 PM | Updated: 7:18 pm

SALT LAKE CITY – The popularity of women’s basketball is on the rise thanks to a surge of name-brand talent such as Utah women’s basketball star Alissa Pili.

Pili, along with the likes of Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, and Kamilla Cardoso among others helped make the women’s college game must-see basketball the past few seasons.

They all also headlined the 2024 WNBA Draft and there is hope the impact they have had in college will follow them to the pros.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Michelle Bodkin (@bodkinkslsports)

The former Utah talent sat with KSL Sports before heading to New York to discuss the impact she thinks she and her draft class will have on the WNBA.

Alissa Pili Believes 2024 WNBA Draft Class Can Do Something Special

Women’s sports- particularly basketball, is gaining momentum.

The college game alone saw an uptick in interest with the women’s final drawing a record-breaking 18.9 million viewers compared to the men’s 14.82 million in 2024.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by KSL Sports (@kslsports)

Now the women who have been drawing all of that interest are heading to the WNBA where the hope is that their popularity will continue to grow.

For Pili, what sets this draft class apart from others in the past is media attention in combination with undeniable talent. Because of that, Pili believes she and her classmates will have a special impact on the game moving forward into the WNBA.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by KSL Sports (@kslsports)

“The difference with this class is that we have the chance to do something special in the sense of making our mark as athletes,” Pili said. “Everyone is incredibly talented and it’s going to be fun to see at the next level. Having that media presence, and platform that we do have in inspiring young athletes and things like that- I think that is where it kind of makes it special- where we could do both at the same time.”

Michelle Bodkin is the Utah Utes Insider for KSLsports.com and host of both the Crimson Corner Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and The Saturday Show (Saturday from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.) on The KSL Sports Zone. Follow her on XInstagram, and Threads: @BodkinKSLsports

Are you on Threads yet? Let’s connect, give us a follow @kslsports

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

  • Utah Utes Scoreboard

  • Utah Utes Team Leaders

  • Utah Utes Standings

Utah Utes

utah-womens-basketball-celebrates-win-at-huntsman-center-2024...

Michelle Bodkin

Utah Women’s Basketball Signs Former Rhode Island Forward For 2024-25 Season

Utah women's basketball got a little better Monday afternoon after announcing the signing of former Rhode Island forward Mayé Touré.

39 minutes ago

kai roberts utah...

Brian Preece

Utah Baseball Vaults Into Top 25 After Sweeping UCLA

The weekend began with a rain-soaked, come-from-behind extra-inning thriller and ended with Utah's first sweep over UCLA.

2 hours ago

Sione-Vaki-Utah-Utes-Football...

Kyle Ireland

Offense Vs. Defense: Sione Vaki’s Best Fit With Detroit Lions

Former Utah Utes defensive back and running back Sione Vaki landed with the Detroit Lions in the 2024 NFL Draft.

2 hours ago

former-utes-get-instruction-from-nfl-scout-before-drill-at-utah-pro-day-2024...

Michelle Bodkin

Utah Football Produces Another Robust Draft Class Despite Disappointing 2023 Season

Utah football continues to prove they are one of the best at identifying and developing NFL-level talent- even in a "down" year.

3 hours ago

Rice Eccles Stadium general view at University of Utah - How to watch Utah Football...

Michelle Bodkin

Utah Athletics Closes Out Weekend Of Strong Performances For Spring Sports

Utah Athletics had a great weekend, and we aren't just talking about the football team's latest NFL Draftees.

4 hours ago

Jaedyn-Rucker-Earns-Perfect-10-On-Vault-At-Huntsman-Center...

Michelle Bodkin

Jaedyn Rucker Surprises Utah Gymnastics Fans By Announcing Return For Sixth Year

Jaedyn Rucker surprised Red Rock nation by announcing a return for a sixth and final season in 2025 on Sunday afternoon.

1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

ksl-sports-newsletter...

KSL Sports

KSL Sports Newsletter: Sign Up Now

Sign up today for the KSL Sports newsletter. Get the latest Utah sports news delivered to your inbox.

...

KSL Sports

Jazz Notes Newsletter: Sign Up Now

Sign up today for the Jazz Notes newsletter. Get insider analysis, game recaps and opportunities to win tickets!

Follow @kslsports...

The Road Home Mediathon 2023

The KSL Sports Zone and KSLSports.com are proud to support the all-day Mediathon 2023 at the Road Home, an annual tradition to raise money and other essential items for the Road Home, a Homeless Shelter.

3 kids wearing real salt lake jerseys smiling...

Real Salt Lake

6 Reasons You Need to Experience a RSL Matchday

RSL Games are a great way to spend time with your family with fun activities, good food, and traditions you can only experience at the field.

High angle view of the beautiful Rose Bowl Stadium...

KSL Digital Sales

How to Prepare for the 2023 Rose Bowl

Everything you need to know to plan your 2023 Rose Bowl trip in Pasadena, California. This year, the Utes will face Penn State.

Jordan-Clarkson-Utah-Jazz...

KSL Digital Sales

Notable Moments From The Utah Jazz Season… So Far

At the beginning of the season, the Utah Jazz were second to last. Now they rank in the top 10 teams in the Western Conference.

Former Utah WBB Star Alissa Pili Is One Of Many Headliners In 2024 WNBA Draft