Catch-Up With WNBA All Star Alyssa Thomas

Terrapin legend Alyssa Thomas was selected to her fourth WNBA All Star Game last month, which will be played Saturday at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas (ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET).

Thomas is averaging 15.1 points, 9.7 rebounds and 8.1 assists this season for the Connecticut Sun, which is third in the league (15-5). This is Thomas' fourth WNBA All Star selection in her career and the second straight year she has earned the nod (2017, 2020, 2022, 2023).

A four-time WNBA All-Defensive Team selection, earlier this season Thomas became the WNBA's career triple-doubles leader for the regular season (5) and for the regular season and playoffs combined (7), with all of them coming since last year's All-Star Game. Thomas is second in the league in rebounding (9.7 rpg), assists (8.1 apg) and steals (2.0 spg). 

We caught up with Alyssa before she headed to Las Vegas. Read her interview below.

Alyssa, you and the Sun are off to a great start to the season. What has been clicking with this year's team?

AT: We have a good group and have had a great start to the season. It's been a regeneration of energy around here with the new coaching staff.

Congratulations on becoming the all-time leader in triple-doubles. How do you think triple-doubles come so naturally for you?

I think it's just a credit to how I have been taught to play basketball. Just to see the game in a different aspect. But you really can't get it without your teammates hitting the shots. But I wouldn't say it comes naturally.

How does it feel to be an All Star for the fourth time?

It's always an honor to be an all star in a league that's as great as the WNBA.

How did your time at Maryland and your time with Coach B help you prepare to be a pro?

From Day 1 they taught us how to be a pro, how to train, how to take care of our bodies. After leaving Maryland, I felt ready for the league. It felt like a smooth transition for me.
 
Maryland has quite a few alums in the pros having really successful careers. Is it fun to see other Terps?

Yea, its always great to see people you played with, and even better when they're doing well. I think it speaks volumes to what Coach B does at Maryland.

Favorite Maryland memory?

My favorite memory is when we went to the Final Four in 2014.