Aneesah Morrow has become synonymous with dominance in women’s college basketball, a force of nature on the boards and a prolific scorer who has consistently challenged the limits of what a forward can achieve. From her explosive freshman season at DePaul to her impactful tenure at LSU, Morrow has carved out a legacy defined by relentless effort, record-breaking statistics, and an undeniable will to win.
As she transitions to the professional ranks, her journey serves as an inspiration and a blueprint for aspiring athletes aiming to leave their mark on the sport. This comprehensive article delves into Morrow’s remarkable career, her distinctive playing style, her off-court impact, and her promising future in the WNBA.
Defining a Dominant Force: Who is Aneesah Morrow?
Aneesah Morrow is an American professional basketball player, primarily known for her exceptional rebounding ability and consistent scoring as a forward. Standing at 6-foot-1, she possesses a unique blend of athleticism, tenacity, and basketball IQ that has allowed her to dominate at every level.
Morrow’s career is highlighted by her extraordinary ability to secure double-doubles, consistently putting up impressive points and rebound totals. Her aggressive pursuit of the ball, both on offense and defense, sets her apart, making her a formidable presence in the paint.
Morrow’s collegiate career began at DePaul University, where she quickly established herself as a national sensation. After two highly productive seasons, she transferred to Louisiana State University (LSU), where she continued to excel and contribute significantly to a championship-contending program. Her impact extends beyond raw statistics; she brings a palpable energy and a competitive spirit to the court that elevates her teammates and electrifies fans.
The Journey of a Rebounding Queen: Aneesah Morrow’s Basketball Odyssey
Aneesah Morrow’s path to becoming one of college basketball’s most celebrated players is a story of continuous growth and adaptation. Born on February 2, 2003, in Chicago, Illinois, basketball was deeply ingrained in her family. Her parents, Nafeesah and Edward Morrow, were both collegiate athletes at the University of Nebraska – her mother an all-conference forward in basketball, and her father a linebacker in football. This athletic lineage provided a strong foundation for Aneesah’s burgeoning talent.
High School Stardom at Simeon Career Academy
Morrow honed her skills at Simeon Career Academy in Chicago, where she quickly rose to prominence. She led her high school team to its first-ever Class 3A state title in 2020. Her senior season was particularly dominant, as she averaged an incredible 28.4 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. MaxPreps recognized her as the No. 1 player in Illinois and ranked her No. 20 nationally, solidifying her status as a highly sought-after recruit.
DePaul University: A Freshman Sensation
Aneesah Morrow’s collegiate career commenced at DePaul University, where she made an immediate and indelible impact. As a freshman in the 2021-22 season, she took the college basketball world by storm, leading the nation in rebounds per game with an astounding 13.8.
She also topped the Big East Conference in steals per game (2.7) and averaged 21.9 points per contest. Her exceptional performance earned her numerous accolades, including the WBCA and USBWA National Freshman of the Year awards in 2022.
She continued her dominance as a sophomore, once again leading her conference in rebounding and steals, while averaging an even more impressive 25.7 points per game.
LSU: Embracing a New Challenge and Sustaining Dominance
After two sensational seasons at DePaul, Morrow sought a new challenge and the opportunity to compete in a top-tier conference. She transferred to LSU in 2023, joining a program that had recently achieved national championship success. This move allowed her to play alongside other elite talents, including Chicago Sky star Angel Reese during her junior year. As a junior, she continued to be a rebounding and scoring force, averaging 16.4 points and 10 rebounds per game.
The Aneesah Morrow Playbook: Strengths, Skills, and Style
Aneesah Morrow’s effectiveness on the court stems from a distinct set of strengths and a relentless playing style. Understanding these elements is key to appreciating her impact.
Rebounding Prowess: A Masterclass in Positioning and Tenacity
Morrow’s rebounding is arguably her most defining characteristic. She possesses an innate ability to anticipate where the ball will go off the rim, excellent box-out technique, and an insatiable desire to grab every loose ball.
Anticipation and Positioning: She reads shots incredibly well, allowing her to get to optimal rebounding positions before opponents.
Box-Out Discipline: Despite not being the tallest post player, her discipline in boxing out allows her to neutralize bigger opponents and secure rebounds.
Motor and Effort: Morrow’s relentless motor ensures she is always in the mix for rebounds, often outworking multiple defenders for offensive boards that lead to second-chance points. This “hunger and grit” for extra possessions is a hallmark of her game.
Scoring Versatility: From Put-Backs to Mid-Range
While known for her rebounding, Morrow is also a highly efficient and versatile scorer.
Inside Scoring: A significant portion of her points come from offensive put-backs and strong finishes around the basket, often through contact. Her quick second jump allows her to convert misses into points.
Mid-Range Game: She has developed a reliable mid-range jump shot, adding another dimension to her offensive arsenal and making her a threat from multiple areas on the floor.
Transition Offense: Her athleticism and ability to run the floor make her a dangerous option in transition, where she can finish strong or draw fouls.
Defensive Impact: Beyond Just Steals
Morrow’s defensive contributions are often highlighted by her steals, but her impact extends further.
Active Hands: Her quick hands lead to numerous deflections and steals, often initiating fast breaks.
Disruptive Presence: She is an active defender in passing lanes and a disruptive force in the paint, making it difficult for opponents to establish offensive rhythm.
Energy on Defense: Her high motor translates to the defensive end, where she brings intensity and effort on every possession.
Areas for Development (as of 2025)
While incredibly talented, like all transitioning collegiate stars, Morrow has areas for continued development as she enters the professional ranks.
Three-Point Shooting: Her three-point shooting percentage (28.9% in 2024-25) indicates room for improvement in expanding her range consistently, which is increasingly valuable in the modern WNBA.
Perimeter Defense against Smaller, Quicker Players: While she is strong defensively in the post, adapting to guarding quicker, more agile perimeter players in the WNBA will be a key adjustment.
Playmaking from the Post: Enhancing her passing and decision-making from double teams in the post could further unlock offensive opportunities for her team.
Aneesah Morrow’s Impact and Recent Trends in Women’s Basketball (as of 2025)
Aneesah Morrow’s career has coincided with a significant surge in popularity and attention for women’s college basketball. Her dominant performances have undoubtedly contributed to this trend, drawing in viewers and showcasing the elite talent within the game.
Growth of Women’s Basketball
The 2024-25 season, in particular, witnessed unprecedented viewership numbers and media coverage for women’s college basketball. Stars like Morrow, Caitlin Clark, and Angel Reese became household names, driving engagement to new heights.
The NCAA Women’s Tournament in 2025 continued to break viewership records, demonstrating a robust and growing fan base. This increased exposure directly benefits players through expanded NIL opportunities and a more visible pathway to professional leagues.
NIL Era and Athlete Empowerment
Morrow has been a prime example of an athlete benefiting from the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era in college sports. Her on-court excellence and growing national profile have translated into significant brand partnerships.
Diverse Portfolio: As of April 2025, Morrow’s NIL deals include prominent brands such as Amazon Prime, Wilson Basketball, CAVA, Saturday House, Saie, Crossover Culture, Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, Caktus AI, and Playa Society. This diverse portfolio spans sports gear, cosmetics, AI tools, legal services, and food, showcasing her broad appeal.
Strategic Partnerships: Her partnership with Caktus AI for her transfer announcement to LSU demonstrated a savvy approach to leveraging career milestones for brand opportunities, setting a precedent for other athletes.
Financial Leverage: While specific figures are not always public, Morrow’s NIL valuation was estimated to be in the mid-to-high six-figure range in late 2024, placing her among the top earners in women’s college basketball.
This provides crucial financial leverage before entering the WNBA, where rookie salaries for first-round picks typically range from $75,000 to $85,000 under the current collective bargaining agreement.
Statistical Legacy
Morrow’s sustained statistical excellence has placed her in rarefied air in NCAA history. Her 104 career double-doubles rank her second all-time, a testament to her consistent production and fundamental dominance. Leading the nation in rebounding twice (as a freshman and senior) underscores her unparalleled ability on the glass. These achievements not only highlight her individual talent but also inspire younger players to strive for similar levels of sustained performance.
Real-Life Examples of Aneesah Morrow’s Impact
Aneesah Morrow’s career is replete with examples of her game-changing performances.
The 2021-22 Freshman Season: As a freshman at DePaul, Morrow consistently recorded double-doubles, often against more experienced opponents. Her 21.9 points and 13.8 rebounds per game were not just impressive for a freshman, but were national leading numbers, signaling her arrival as a dominant force. This instant impact showed her readiness to compete at the highest collegiate level.
Leading the NCAA in Rebounding (2024-25): In her senior year at LSU, Morrow once again led the nation in rebounding with 13.5 boards per game. This demonstrated her consistency and adaptability, proving she could maintain her elite rebounding numbers in a different system and conference. Her 30 double-doubles in this season were the second most in LSU history, further highlighting her statistical prowess.
Katrina McClain Award (2025): The recognition as the nation’s top power forward with the Katrina McClain Award is a tangible testament to her overall impact and skill set. This award signifies her excellence in a crucial position and her contribution to her team’s success.
WNBA Draft 2025: Being selected by the Connecticut Sun as the No. 7 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft underscores her perceived value and potential at the professional level. This high draft position indicates that WNBA scouts and general managers recognize her unique abilities and believe her game will translate successfully.
The Future is Bright: Aneesah Morrow’s WNBA Prospects
As of the 2025 WNBA Draft, Aneesah Morrow has officially begun her professional journey. Her selection by the Connecticut Sun as the No. 7 overall pick is a strong indication of her potential to make an immediate impact in the league.
Transition to the WNBA
The WNBA presents new challenges, including a higher level of athleticism, physicality, and strategic complexity. Morrow’s strengths, particularly her rebounding and tenacious interior play, are highly valued in the professional game.
Her relentless motor and willingness to do the “dirty work” will be assets to any team. While her three-point shooting and perimeter defense against elite WNBA guards will be areas for continued development, her fundamental strengths provide a solid foundation.
Potential Impact
Morrow is projected to be an impactful player for the Connecticut Sun. Her ability to consistently secure extra possessions, both offensively and defensively, will provide a significant advantage. Her scoring around the basket will also be valuable, and as she refines her offensive game, she could become an even more versatile threat. The WNBA’s increasing focus on versatile forwards who can rebound, score, and contribute defensively bodes well for Morrow’s career trajectory.
Long-Term Outlook
With her work ethic and competitive drive, Aneesah Morrow has the potential for a long and successful WNBA career. Her adaptability, as demonstrated by her successful transfer from DePaul to LSU, suggests she can thrive in new environments and adapt to professional coaching.
As she continues to develop her skills, particularly her outside shooting and perimeter defense, she could evolve into one of the league’s premier power forwards. Her impact will likely extend beyond the stat sheet, as her energy and competitive spirit are contagious and can elevate an entire team.
FAQs
What are Aneesah Morrow’s key accomplishments in college basketball?
Aneesah Morrow finished her collegiate career with 104 double-doubles, ranking second all-time in NCAA Division I history. She is also third all-time in NCAA DI rebounds (1,714) and 25th all-time in scoring (2,852). She led the NCAA in rebounding twice (2021-22 and 2024-25) and was named the Katrina McClain Award winner in 2025 as the nation’s top power forward. She also earned multiple First Team All-America and All-SEC honors.
Which WNBA team drafted Aneesah Morrow in 2025?
Aneesah Morrow was selected as the No. 7 overall pick by the Connecticut Sun in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
What are Aneesah Morrow’s primary strengths as a basketball player?
Aneesah Morrow’s primary strengths include her exceptional rebounding ability, particularly her offensive rebounding, due to her anticipation, positioning, and relentless motor. She is also a prolific scorer around the basket, effective in the mid-range, and brings high energy and active hands on defense, leading to numerous steals.
What are some areas where Aneesah Morrow might look to improve in the WNBA?
As she transitions to the WNBA, Aneesah Morrow may look to further develop her consistent three-point shooting range and refine her perimeter defense against the league’s quicker, more agile players. Expanding her playmaking from the post could also add another layer to her offensive game.
Final Thoughts
Aneesah Morrow stands as a testament to dedication, relentless effort, and an unwavering passion for basketball. Her journey from a highly touted high school prospect to a record-breaking collegiate star and now a promising WNBA draftee is a compelling narrative of athletic excellence.
Her statistical dominance, particularly her unparalleled rebounding ability, has etched her name into the NCAA record books.
Beyond the numbers, Morrow embodies the grit and determination that define elite athletes. As she embarks on her professional career with the Connecticut Sun, her impact on the court is expected to continue, serving as an exciting new chapter for a player who has already left an undeniable mark on the game.
The future is undoubtedly bright for Aneesah Morrow, and basketball fans worldwide will be eager to witness the next stage of her remarkable career.
To read more, Click here