Napheesa Collier Leads Unrivaled’s 1-on-1 Revolution

Visionaries are people that have original ideas of what the future will ultimately be like. They think and plan about a future with imagination, wisdom, and creativity.

This offseason’s Unrivaled league has not only shown off the mind of Napheesa Collier but also her ability on the basketball court. Collier, a co-founder in the league, became the first annual champion of the 1-on-1 tournament in Unrivaled. On the way to her championship, she faced Katie Lou Samuelson, Rickea Jackson, Courtney Williams, Azura Stevens, and Aaliyah Edwards. The goal of Unrivaled was to give players an opportunity to play in competitive offseason basketball domestically in the United States. This tournament was yet another example of that.

What separates Unrivaled from other professional sports leagues in women’s or basketball alike is not only their 3×3 games but also their 1-on-1 tournament. Whereas a lot of people were intrigued by the thought of having a 1-on-1 tournament, for Collier, it was a no-brainer. Collier wanted to change the culture of women’s basketball, and this tournament has helped do that.

 

“We’re trying to change the culture of women’s basketball..you don’t see that with women a lot (Playing 1’s). We’re trying to change what it means to be a female athlete.”

The Art of 1-on-1 Basketball

“Win, lose, or draw, it’s all on you… individual skill set shines through 1-on-1,” said Arike Ogunbowale. When it comes to 1-on-1, the player’s skill set is what is on center stage. It is solely a game about working on and using your individual skills to score the basketball. On the opposite side of the ball, it’s the same, as one will have to defend their opponent.

Collier spoke additionally about how she feels the women’s game of basketball needs to have more creativity. According to Collier, she feels that the women’s game is too hampered by organized sports, meaning young girls don’t have an opportunity to play in more games that focus on individual skill versus competing in a team setting. For a younger player in the game like Aaliyah Edwards, she’s grown up playing 1-on-1. She also spoke about how the game, in particular this tournament, has helped her with her development.

 

“You have to be accountable for winning the matchup offensively and defensively…I love 1’s. I love the competition…I love it for the women’s game and it gives us an opportunity to highlight, perform and showcase our skillset…”I made it to the finals, the last step of the tournament. I’m proud of myself…let everyone know I am not one to play with. I am a competitor and I want to win, whatever that takes…It’s really about the confidence and more people are noticing how much my work is paying off

The UConn Connection: Full Circle Moment

It was a full-circle moment when Napheesa Collier played against Aaliyah Edwards in the final matchup of the 1-on-1 tournament. Although Collier is older, the two are both former athletes from the University of Connecticut. When Edwards was at practice, Collier showed up to get some work in.

However, Edwards, being the competitor she is, took this as an opportunity to challenge herself and improve. The two played against each other, and for Edwards, it was all about growth. Now, in a full-circle moment, the two matched up against each other in the finals. Although Collier got the win, it was a huge moment for the University of Connecticut and the game of women’s basketball.

“I believe it was two years ago and Phee came to practice (UConn), and I was guarding her. We were going up and down. To be battling with her 1on1 in this tournament, definitely a full circle moment…all respect to her and her game…I definitely will be seeing her throughout the year.”

For Edwards, facing Collier in the final wasn’t just about competition—it was about proving herself against one of the best. Their past battles in practice came full circle on this stage, showcasing how iron sharpens iron. Edwards may have fallen short in the championship, but her performance throughout the tournament solidified her place among the WNBA’s rising stars. As for Collier, the victory was another milestone in her mission to reshape the women’s game, pushing creativity, skill, and individual talent to the forefront. As Unrivaled continues to take shape as the future of development for women’s basketball, their game will continue to influence the culture.

The Future of Women’s Basketball is Unrivaled

As the dust settles on the first-ever Unrivaled 1-on-1 tournament, one thing is clear—this is just the beginning. Napheesa Collier’s victory cements her legacy not only as one of the WNBA’s dominant players, but more importantly as a trailblazer for the future of women’s basketball. Aaliyah Edwards, despite coming up short in the final, proved she too belongs among the league’s elite.

Unrivaled has set a new standard for offseason development, giving players a platform to sharpen their skills and fans a fresh way to engage with the game. The impact of this league will only continue to grow, inspiring the next generation to embrace the artistry and intensity of 1-on-1 basketball.

That’s what visionaries do—they change the way topics and conversations are viewed, molding them into a different landscape. As Unrivaled continues to redefine what it means to develop and showcase talent, it’s clear that the future of women’s basketball isn’t just bright—it’s Unrivaled.