True value can only be hidden for so long, but once it is met with opportunity it’s going to shine like a bright star, and that star shined bright last night for LA Sparks Alissa Pili.

The Sparks concluded their season last night in a 103-75 defeat to the Las Vegas Aces. It’s been a up and down season for the Sparks riddled with injuries, inconsistent lineups, and tough stretches. However, there are a number of things to hold their head high about and one is the play of Pill vs the Aces.

In six minutes of play, Pili scored seven points, one rebound, and one block. This will conclude Pili’s second season in the WNBA for the former 1st round and 8th draft pick.

What is Pili’s value?

Within her first two seasons in the WNBA, Pili has played for the Minnesota Lynx and has now just concluded playing for the Sparks. In her 41 games in the WNBA, she has averaged 2.3 ppg, 1.1 rpg, and 0.2 apg. Looking at the raw numbers, it doesn’t exactly pop out but when you use the eye test and watch her play there is plenty of value there.

Mentality

While Pili has not taken off in the WNBA, yet she has experienced being a star on a team as recently as two years ago. The 2023 draft where she was selected extremely high was a testament on how dominant she was in college for the Utah Utes in her season earning Pac-12 player of the year honors. She averaged 21.4 ppg with shooting splits of 55/40/82.

Playing in the WNBA, she has had to go through the process of learning a new role playing for the Lynx and the Sparks that both have extremely high veteran lead rosters. Through all of that, she has maintained a positive attitude and has adapted in a way that can be used down the line in her career.

Size/skill

Pili stands at about 6’0 and has a strong frame what she lacks with vertical height she makes up with strength and skill. Prime example, last night, not only did she make an impact offensively she showed her value defensively by blocking Aces Superstar A’ja Wilson.

Wilson stands at 6’4 which is about a five-inch height difference from Pili. To block a player, who has a height difference means that a player’s timing must be on point along with some untapped athleticism.

 The seven points she attributed last night was mainly because of her teammates feeding her the basketball, and Pili doing what she has always been effective at scoring around the basket.

Headed to Australia

Before the season ended, Pili signed a contract to play in the WNBL for the Geelong Venom beginning in October. With one season ending and another one beginning for her there will be a much bigger sample size for her to display her abilities. Coming from the college level and being a Pac-12 player of the year back in 2024 the WNBA has been an adjustment for Pili.

However, just like last night the value will show once the opportunity is met with it, and this is another opportunity that she will take full advantage of.