Aari McDonald Bio
Aarion Shawnae McDonald is an American professional basketball player for the Indiana Fever of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and for the Breeze of Unrivaled. She was selected third overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2021 WNBA draft after playing college basketball for the Washington Huskies and the Arizona Wildcats. McDonald grew up in Fresno, California, where she excelled in basketball, setting records at the high school level before making a significant impact in college.
Early Life and Background
Aarion Shawnae McDonald was born on August 20, 1998, in Fresno, California. She is the youngest of six children in her family. Initially, she attended Bullard High School for her freshman year but later transferred to Brookside Christian High School in Stockton, California. During her time at Brookside, McDonald compiled nearly 1,500 points over two years, achieving multiple triple-doubles and even a quadruple-double. Her impressive performance made her a four-star recruit, leading her to commit to the University of Washington to continue her basketball career.
Path to Basketball
At the University of Washington, McDonald faced challenges early on, missing the first seven games of her freshman year due to injury. However, she played in 28 games, starting 21 of them, and was named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman team after averaging 9.8 points per game. After one season, she decided to transfer to the University of Arizona, where she was able to make an immediate impact. McDonald tied the school’s single-game scoring record with 39 points in her second game and broke the single-season scoring record with 890 points, becoming the second player in Pac-12 history to achieve over 800 points and 150 assists in a single season. She received numerous accolades, including the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award and the Pac-12 Player of the Year.
Aari McDonald Career
Early Career (2021)
Aari McDonald began her professional career when she was drafted third overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2021 WNBA draft. In her rookie season, she averaged 6.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists across 30 games, earning a spot on the WNBA All-Rookie Team. Her performance laid the groundwork for a promising career ahead.
Breakthrough (2022-2023)
McDonald returned to the Atlanta Dream for the 2022 WNBA season, where she significantly improved her performance, averaging 11.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists over 36 games. She continued to develop her skills and became a key player for the team. In 2023, she maintained her position with the Dream, further solidifying her role in the league.
Notable Works and Milestones
Aari McDonald has achieved several milestones throughout her career, including being named a WNBA All-Rookie and earning multiple collegiate awards. She was recognized as a two-time First-team WBCA All-American and received the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award in 2020, highlighting her talent and dedication to the sport.
Aari McDonald Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Aari McDonald has received numerous nominations for her outstanding performance on the court, particularly during her college years and her early professional career.
Aari McDonald Awards Won
Aari McDonald has won several prestigious awards, including the WNBA All-Rookie Team in 2021 and the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award in 2020. She was also named a two-time First-team WBCA All-American, showcasing her exceptional skills and contributions to women’s basketball.
Aari McDonald Family
Aari McDonald is the daughter of Aaron and Andrea McDonald. She has a brother, Tre’von Willis, who played basketball at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).
Personal Life
Aari McDonald is married to Devon Brewer, a former defensive back for the University of Arizona. The couple got engaged after the Wildcats were eliminated from the Pac-12 Tournament in 2020 and were married on September 23, 2021, during McDonald’s first season in the WNBA.
