Rayah Marshall is an American professional basketball player who currently plays forward-center for the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA. Drafted in 2025 after a standout four-year career at the University of Southern California (USC), she is recognized for her elite shot-blocking, rebounding, and all-around defensive presence.
Early Life and Background
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Date of Birth: November 15, 2003
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Hometown: Los Angeles, California
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Height: 6’4″ (1.93 m)
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Position: Forward-Center
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High School: Lynwood High School
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Four-time LA Times First Team honoree
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Two-time Press-Telegram Player of the Year
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Three-time San Gabriel Valley MVP
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2021 McDonald’s All-American and Jordan Brand Classic selection
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Led Lynwood to the 2021 CIF Division 1-AA championship
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Averaged 18.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, and 2.4 steals per game as a junior
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Senior year: 23.7 points, 12.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.3 steals, and 2.8 blocks per game
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College Career: USC (2021–2025)
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Freshman (2021–22):
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28 games, 4 starts
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11.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.3 steals, 2.54 blocks per game
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Led all NCAA freshmen in blocks
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Pac-12 All-Freshman Team
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Sophomore (2022–23):
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28 starts
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12.7 points, 11.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.5 steals, 3.5 blocks per game
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First Trojan to average a double-double since Tina Thompson (1996–97)
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Career-highs: 33 points, 21 rebounds, 7 blocks in a game
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Set USC single-season blocks record (98)
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All-Pac-12 First Team, Pac-12 All-Defensive Team, Naismith Defensive Player of the Year semifinalist
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Junior (2023–24):
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33 starts
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10.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.2 steals, 2.0 blocks per game
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All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention, Pac-12 All-Defensive Honorable Mention
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15 double-doubles, double-digit rebounds in seven games
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Senior (2024–25):
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33 starts
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7.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.2 steals, 2.1 blocks per game
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Elite 8 performance: 23 points, 15 rebounds
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All-Big Ten Honorable Mention, Big Ten All-Defensive Team honoree
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Top-ten finalist for Lisa Leslie Award
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Career Totals:
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1,265 points, 1,161 rebounds, 197 assists, 156 steals, 306 blocks
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Eighth player in USC history with 1,000+ points and 1,000+ rebounds
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Third-most blocks in program history (behind Lisa Leslie and Cheryl Miller)
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WNBA Career
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Drafted: 2nd round, 25th overall pick, 2025 WNBA Draft by Connecticut Sun
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Rookie Season:
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Joins the Sun as a forward-center, bringing elite shot-blocking and rebounding
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Expected to contribute immediately on defense and the boards
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International Experience
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Team USA:
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Won silver at the 2023 FIBA AmeriCup
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Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Elite shot-blocker and rim protector
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Strong rebounder on both ends
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Versatile defender, can guard multiple positions
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High basketball IQ and energy
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Style:
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Physical, athletic forward-center who excels in the paint and on defense
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FAQs About Rayah Marshall
What position does Rayah Marshall play?
Forward-Center
Which team does she play for?
Connecticut Sun (WNBA)
How old is Rayah Marshall?
21 (born November 15, 2003)
What are her main achievements?
USC record-holder for blocks, Pac-12 honors, McDonald’s All-American, FIBA AmeriCup silver medalist
What is her playing style?
Elite shot-blocker, strong rebounder, and versatile defender
Conclusion
Rayah Marshall is a rising star in the WNBA, bringing elite shot-blocking, rebounding, and defensive versatility to the Connecticut Sun. Her record-setting college career at USC and international experience make her a promising rookie with a bright future.
