Posted inBasketball Player Profiles

Saniya Rivers Biography: Connecticut Sun Guard, NC State Star & WNBA Rookie

Posted inBasketball, Player Profiles

Saniya Rivers is an American professional basketball player who plays guard for the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA. Drafted 8th overall in 2025, she is celebrated for her versatility, defensive prowess, and leadership on the court.

Saniya-Rivers
Saniya-Rivers

Early Life and Background

  • Date of Birth: March 4, 2003

  • Hometown: Wilmington, North Carolina

  • Height: 6’1″ (1.85 m)

  • Position: Guard

  • High School: Eugene Ashley High School

    • Three-time North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year

    • Four-time NCBCA All-State selection

    • Senior year: 34.3 points, 12.1 rebounds, 6.1 steals, 5.8 assists per game

    • Led team to 2021 Mideastern Conference title

    • 2021 Gatorade National Player of the Year

    • McDonald’s All-American

    • Rated a five-star recruit, No. 3 player and No. 2 guard in the Class of 2021 by ESPN137

College Career

  • South Carolina (2021–2022):

    • Played as a reserve on the 2022 NCAA championship team

    • 27 games, 2.3 points, 1.4 assists per game

  • NC State (2022–2025):

    • Transferred to NC State for her sophomore year

    • Sophomore: 31 games, 8.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.8 steals per game

      • Led team in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks

      • ACC Sixth Player of the Year

    • Junior: 35 games, 12.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.1 steals, 0.9 blocks per game

      • First-team All-ACC, All-Defensive Team

      • AP All-America Honorable Mention

      • Led team to NCAA Final Four

      • Led team in assists and steals

    • Senior: 35 games, 11.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.3 blocks per game

      • First-team All-ACC, All-Defensive Team

      • WBCA All-America Honorable Mention

      • Led team in assists, steals, blocks, defensive rebounds, and minutes

      • Recorded nine double-doubles, 22 double-digit scoring games, eight double-digit rebounding games, two double-digit assist games

      • Only NC State player with at least 1,100 points, 600 rebounds, 350 assists, 180 steals, and 100 blocks in just three seasons13

Professional Career

  • Drafted: 8th overall, 2025 WNBA Draft by Connecticut Sun

  • Connecticut Sun (2025–present):

    • Missed most of training camp, preseason, and the season opener following the passing of her mother

    • Made WNBA debut on May 20, 2025, scoring 11 points in 25 minutes off the bench

    • As of June 2025, is adjusting to the league while bringing versatility, defense, and energy to the Sun16

Playing Profile

  • Strengths:

    • Versatile guard with elite defensive instincts

    • Strong rebounder and playmaker for her position

    • High basketball IQ and leadership

    • Can impact the game in multiple ways beyond scoring

  • Style:

    • Combo guard who excels in transition, on defense, and as a facilitator

    • Brings energy, toughness, and clutch play to every game

FAQs About Saniya Rivers

What position does Saniya Rivers play?
Guard

Which team does she play for?
Connecticut Sun (WNBA)

How old is Saniya Rivers?
22 (born March 4, 2003)

What are her main achievements?
NCAA champion (South Carolina), NCAA Final Four (NC State), Gatorade National Player of the Year, All-ACC, All-Defensive Team, WNBA top-10 pick

What is her playing style?
Versatile, defensive-minded guard with strong rebounding and playmaking

Conclusion

Saniya Rivers is a dynamic guard whose college success and all-around game have quickly translated to the WNBA. Her resilience, leadership, and defensive impact make her a cornerstone for the Connecticut Sun and one of the league’s most promising young talents.

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