When you think of Minnesota players, one word comes to mind: tough. Whether its getting a bucket, their style of play or who they are, the deeply rooted basketball history enables Minnesota to birth the toughest players in the country.
Five-star Texas commit Aaliyah Crump is the next up in joining the lineage of basketball legends from the great state. Before even picking up a ball, Crump had a front-row seat to the greatness of the Lynx dynasty.
I had one experience where I got to run to half court and got a ball from Maya Moore during the championship games, Aaliyah recalls. That really had a huge impact on me: the Lynx, Maya Moore and Lindsay Whalen.
At just nine years old, Crumps path was set toward success. Now, she aims to extend her winning portfoliofrom a Minnesota state champion and FIBA gold medalist to a standout at the SLAM Summer Classic Vol. 6by joining the star-studded group at Montverde Academy in pursuit of yet another championship.
When youre playing against the best of the best, you have to know that youre also good, right? Its all about having confidence and moving forward every day, even though it might be hard, Aaliyah says.
The parallels in game play and mentality between Aaliyah and her basketball Mt. RushmoreMaya Moore, Lindsay Whalen, Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewartare undeniable. The commonality of being strong and versatile is evident when Aaliyah steps on the court.
Im pretty versatile, so you have to pick and choose what you want to guard, she explains. I like to shoot threes and I like to get downhill, but Im trying to become more of a threat in the paint.
With her eyes set on Texas, a school embarking on its own path in the SEC, Aaliyahs main goal is to impact winning in both the present and the future.
Doing what I have to do to help my team win is the biggest thing for me, she says. Growing into that part of my game, being physical and bodying up, whether thats offensively or defensively.
Aaliyah emphasizes that the love of the game will follow her wherever she goes.
I feel like basketball has taken me so far in life and left me with so many opportunities, but I know it can take me even farther, Aaliyah says.
Beyond chasing championships or fulfilling a basketball legacy, she aims to be the best version of herself and push the future of the game. Aaliyahs poise and humility reflect her understanding of being an impact player both on and off the court.
You can be a player or you can be a person off the court who also is really impactful, she says. Whether its playing at the highest level or making an impact in our world today, I would like to see where the game has taken me.
As Aaliyah prepares to embark on her journey at Montverde Academy and beyond, its clear that her story is just beginning. With each game, she not only aims to uphold the legacy of Minnesotas basketball greats, but also to carve out her own identity in the sport.
