Aalyah Del Rosario: A Rising Star in College Basketball
When Aalyah Del Rosario first arrived at LSU, she was already touted as one of the most promising recruits in the country. Standing at an imposing 6’5″, with incredible agility for her size and a skill set that ranged from shot-blocking to rebounding to scoring, she quickly became a standout player in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Her ability to dominate in the paint, coupled with a high basketball IQ, made her a key piece in LSU’s quest for national dominance.
Del Rosario’s arrival at LSU coincided with the program’s resurgence under head coach Kim Mulkey, who had taken the reins in 2021. Mulkey’s high-energy coaching style and championship pedigree were the perfect match for Del Rosario’s potential. From the start, it was clear that Del Rosario had a special kind of talent. In her first season, she averaged a double-double, which included 14.3 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. Her rim protection and rebounding were some of the best in the country, and it was easy to see why many projected her to be a top pick in the upcoming WNBA draft.
However, Del Rosario’s journey wasn’t without its struggles. Despite her immense talent, she faced the pressures of living up to the hype and the expectations that came with being one of the most high-profile recruits in LSU history. The transition from high school to college basketball wasn’t always smooth, as Del Rosario had to adjust to the speed and physicality of the SEC, a league known for its tough competition. Despite these growing pains, she found a solid footing by her second season, helping LSU secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament and further cementing her role as a key contributor to the team.
But the stakes were raised in her third season, as LSU not only became one of the top teams in the nation but also made a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Del Rosario’s performance in the postseason was pivotal, with her ability to dominate on both ends of the court helping LSU reach new heights. The combination of her physical tools and mental fortitude made her one of the top players in college basketball, and scouts began to take notice. By the end of her third season, it seemed almost inevitable that Del Rosario would declare for the WNBA Draft.
The Decision to Stay: A Personal and Professional Turning Point
Yet, in a dramatic twist, Del Rosario shocked both the LSU community and the college basketball world by deciding to forgo entering the WNBA Draft and return to Baton Rouge for her senior year. Her decision was not just about basketball—it was also a deeply personal one, one that required introspection and a reassessment of her priorities and goals for the future.
Many believed that Del Rosario would take the opportunity to turn pro, especially given her growing list of accolades and the fact that she was projected to be a high pick in the WNBA Draft. However, for Del Rosario, this decision was not solely about the allure of professional basketball. Instead, it reflected her desire to complete her journey at LSU, both as a player and as a person. She recognized that there was still unfinished business in Baton Rouge and felt that another year with LSU could further develop her game and solidify her legacy in college basketball.
“I’ve always said that I wanted to leave my mark on this program,” Del Rosario said in a statement to the media. “Coach Mulkey has taught me so much—not just about basketball but about life. I’ve grown so much as an athlete and as a person, and I feel that I still have more to give to this team and to this university. LSU has become my home, and I want to finish what we started.”
Her decision to return for her senior season was met with widespread praise from her coaches, teammates, and fans. It was clear that Del Rosario’s maturity had reached a new level. She was no longer the freshman who was simply trying to adjust to the rigors of college basketball. Instead, she had evolved into a leader on and off the court, someone who recognized the value of legacy, team success, and personal growth.
A Focus on Growth and Development
For Del Rosario, the opportunity to refine her game further was a major factor in her decision to stay. As an already dominant force on both offense and defense, she recognized that there were areas of her game that still needed work, particularly in terms of her consistency as a shooter and her ability to stretch the floor. While Del Rosario’s inside presence had always been a strength, she knew that in order to make a seamless transition to the WNBA when the time eventually came, she would need to improve her perimeter skills and her ability to defend against more versatile players.
“Coach Mulkey has been a huge influence on me, not just as a player but as a person,” Del Rosario shared. “We’ve had a lot of conversations about what I need to work on, and I’m ready to put in the work. I know that the WNBA will still be there when I’m ready, but for now, my focus is on becoming the best version of myself for this team.”
Her decision also gave LSU a significant boost in terms of its national title aspirations. With Del Rosario returning for one more season, LSU was now poised to be one of the most formidable teams in the country. The Tigers were coming off a successful season, but the addition of a veteran leader like Del Rosario could prove to be the difference-maker. Along with key returning players and the infusion of new talent, LSU looked primed for another deep run in the NCAA Tournament. With Del Rosario anchoring the defense and providing a reliable scoring option in the post, LSU was a team that would be a contender for the national championship.
Leadership Beyond the Court
While Del Rosario’s on-court contributions were invaluable, it was her leadership in the locker room and within the LSU community that truly set her apart. As one of the team’s veterans, she was expected to serve as a mentor to the younger players, especially the incoming recruits who looked up to her as a role model. Del Rosario took this responsibility seriously, often staying after practice to work with the freshmen and offering advice to her teammates. She had come to understand that her impact extended beyond the basketball court, and she embraced her role as a leader with humility and grace.
“Leadership is something I’ve had to learn over time,” Del Rosario admitted. “I’ve always been more of a quiet player, but as I’ve grown, I’ve realized how much influence I have on my teammates. I want to help them become the best they can be, just like my older teammates helped me when I first got here.”
Her leadership wasn’t limited to the gym. Del Rosario also became a prominent figure in LSU’s community outreach programs, working with local schools and youth organizations to promote the importance of education, discipline, and perseverance. She believed that her platform as a student-athlete could make a difference in the lives of others, and she dedicated her time to empowering young girls and boys to pursue their dreams.
The Future for Aalyah Del Rosario
Looking ahead, the future is incredibly bright for Aalyah Del Rosario. Her decision to return for her senior season at LSU shows that she is not just focused on individual success but on the collective success of her team. Her growth as a player, leader, and person has been inspiring to watch, and the best may still be yet to come.
In a few months, Del Rosario will likely face the decision of whether to enter the WNBA Draft, but one thing is certain: her journey at LSU has been nothing short of remarkable. She will forever be remembered as one of the most dominant and influential players in the history of LSU women’s basketball, and regardless of what comes next in her career, she has already left a lasting legacy on the program.
For now, LSU fans can take comfort in knowing that their star player is committed to one final season, one that promises to be filled with growth, leadership, and championship aspirations. As Del Rosario leads the Tigers into what is sure to be a thrilling senior season, one thing is for sure: her legacy at LSU is already etched in stone.