Aari McDonald is an American professional basketball player who currently plays guard for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA. Known for her explosive scoring, defensive tenacity, and leadership, she is a dynamic playmaker with a decorated college career and rising professional profile.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Aarion Shawnae McDonald
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Date of Birth: August 20, 1998
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Hometown: Fresno, California
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Height: 5’6″ (1.68 m)
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Position: Guard
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High School:
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Bullard High School (freshman year)
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Brookside Christian High School (Stockton, CA)
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Nearly 1,500 points in two years
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Multiple triple-doubles and a quadruple-double
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Four-star recruit
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Led teams to multiple standout seasons
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College Career
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University of Washington (2016–2018):
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Played two seasons for the Huskies
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Transferred to Arizona after sophomore year
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University of Arizona (2018–2021):
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Sat out 2018–19 due to transfer rules
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Redshirt sophomore year (2019–20):
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Tied school single-game scoring record with 39 points
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890 points in a season (school record)
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Second in Pac-12 history with 800+ points and 150+ assists in a season
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All-Pac-12 First Team and Defensive Team
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Redshirt junior year (2020–21):
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Broke own scoring record with 44 points
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Second-team All-American (AP, USBWA)
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First-team All-American (WBCA)
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Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year
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All-Pac-12 First Team and All-Defensive Team
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Finalist for Naismith Defensive Player of the Year
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Ann Meyers Drysdale Award winner (top shooting guard in the country)
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Redshirt senior year (2021):
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Pac-12 Player of the Year (first Arizona player since head coach Adia Barnes)
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Co-Defensive Player of the Year
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Led Arizona to NCAA Final Four
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31 points vs. Texas A&M (Sweet Sixteen)
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33 points vs. Indiana (Elite Eight, despite ankle injury)
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26 points vs. UConn (Final Four)
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22 points in national championship game vs. Stanford
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Scored double-digits in 93 consecutive games (longest active streak)
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Professional Career
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Drafted: 3rd overall, 2021 WNBA Draft by Atlanta Dream
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Teams:
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Atlanta Dream (2021–2023)
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Las Vegas Aces (2024)
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Indiana Fever (2025–present)
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WNBA Stats (through 2024):
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116 games, 8.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.0 steal per game
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Career highs: 11.1 points per game (2022), 3.7 assists per game (2024)
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Notable rookie year: 6.3 points, 2.0 assists per game (2021), finished runner-up for Rookie of the Year
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2024 season: 8.7 points, 2.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists per game (with Las Vegas Aces)
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Playing Style:
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Explosive scorer and playmaker
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Elite perimeter defender
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High basketball IQ and leadership
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Achievements & Honors
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WNBA top-3 draft pick (2021)
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Runner-up for WNBA Rookie of the Year (2021)
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Pac-12 Player of the Year (2021)
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Pac-12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year (2021)
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First-team All-American (WBCA, 2021)
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Second-team All-American (AP, USBWA, 2021)
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Ann Meyers Drysdale Award winner (2021)
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Led Arizona to NCAA Final Four (2021)
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Multiple triple-doubles and a quadruple-double in high school
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Scored double-digits in 93 consecutive college games
Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Explosive scorer and playmaker
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Elite perimeter defender
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High basketball IQ and leadership
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Clutch performer in big games
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Style:
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Dynamic, quick guard who excels in transition and half-court offense
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Brings toughness, championship experience, and a team-first mentality
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FAQs About Aari McDonald
What position does Aari McDonald play?
Guard
Which team does she play for?
Indiana Fever (WNBA)
How old is Aari McDonald?
26 (born August 20, 1998)
What are her main achievements?
Pac-12 Player of the Year, Pac-12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year, First-team All-American, Led Arizona to NCAA Final Four, WNBA top-3 draft pick, Runner-up for WNBA Rookie of the Year
What is her playing style?
Explosive, high-IQ guard with elite defense and scoring
Conclusion
Aari McDonald is a rising star in the WNBA, recognized for her explosive scoring, defensive intensity, and leadership. Her decorated college career and early professional impact make her a valuable asset for the Indiana Fever and a respected figure in women’s basketball.
