Minnesota Lynx's 8th pick Alissa Pili receives plaudits after arranging for 100 Samoan fans to attend Target Center debut

Alissa Pili played for the first time in Minnesota since being drafted by the Lynx in the first round of the draft. The 2023 Pac-12 Player of the Year was selected No. 8 by the Lynx. Interestingly, Pili did something extraordinary on her home court debut that earned her applause from around the basketball world.

Pili hails from Alaska and she is of Samoan descent. The Lynx’s rookie is the first player of Samoan descent to play in the WNBA and she wanted her community to attend her first game in the city. As such, she arranged 100 seats for them at the Target Center.

According to reports, Pili contacted members of her family and friends and asked them to book seats in Section 138. This helped 100 Samoans to watch the first WNBA game of their life. It was also a proud moment for many as they watched one of their own play at the highest level.

According to some of the Samoans attending the game, Alissa Pili was a new hope for them and many Polynesian young women.

“I think it just gives us hope, especially for Polynesian girls. She is going to pave the way forward for young Polynesian girls to look up to. We’re going to be her cheerleaders,” said Faamati Winey, one of the Samoans cheering for Pili.

Alissa Pili was born in Anchorage, Alaska, and started her basketball journey at Dimond High School in her hometown. Her older brother Brandon Pili plays for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League.

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How did Alissa Pili perform in her Target Center debut?

Alissa Pili and the Minnesota Lynx have started their season on a high. They have won both of their opening games of the season. They defeated the Seattle Storm (83-70) on their opening night and took down Storm in overtime when they met again for their second game of the season.

Pili played 10 minutes in the opening game but failed to score any points, with just one field goal attempt. However, she turned things around for herself in her second game, scoring five points and two rebounds in just 10 minutes. She shot over 66% from the field and 50% from the three-point line.

Pili plays from the forward position and she might lack the length for her position. However, she has what the Lynx might have wanted to enter this season. Alissa Pili can score at a very high average and as the season progresses, she will likely find her position on the roster.