WASHINGTON — As the Mystics prepare for a new season, there is a lot of excitement for Aliyah Edwards, who was the team's 6th overall draft pick. But Kaylynne Truong was also drafted in this year's high-profile class, and she'll be a new face, helping to break down the model minority myth and show that Asian people can excel in sports.
"It felt awesome, I'm blessed," Kaylenne Truong said.
It's been a whirlwind few weeks for Truong. She was drafted into the WNBA just weeks after playing in the Sweet Sixteen and now preparing for her first game as a Mystics' point guard.
"It just kind of reminds me of playing in the kennel back in Gonzaga. I think the fan love and support is just everything to D.C."
And yet, her love of the game started out by accident.
"My sister tripped over a basketball and decided I'm never playing this."
But her parents probably didn't like the word "never" and put her and her twin sister Kayleigh in B-ball. They would later become a dynamic duo on the courts, all the way through college at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.
"Very lucky to have Leigh by my side growing up playing together."
At home, they often competed one-on-one, but they also leaned on each other for support.
"It's hard growing up Asian-American just to play basketball. In the basketball community, we weren't accepted at a young age."
According to the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports. Asian-Americans are underrepresented in pro basketball. Just 1.4% of WNBA players are Asian. In the NBA, it's just 0.2%.
"I say it in multiple interviews. I think Jeremy Lin and Yao Ming paved the way. We were big Houston Rockets fans. We're from Houston and Yao Ming... Just another Asian playing in a high league. That's what's motivated me."
Now, she may be that someone that young people of Asian descent can look up to.
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