Among the greatest leaders in Atlanta Dream history, Angel McCoftly’s name often tops the list. Yet, current stars Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray are making their mark in various categories, while one player, Naz Hillmon, is on the verge of becoming the Iron Woman of the team. Hillmon is nearing Iziane Castro Marques’ record of 127 consecutive games played from 2008 to 2011, with 124 games under her belt.
After practice at the Overtime Elite Arena, Hillmon credited her durability to preparation and body care, including early gym sessions as advised by Erica Wheeler during her rookie years. She is set to break this record in a game against the New York Liberty on July 13th. Hillmon’s commitment to availability—an ethos instilled in her by her father and rooted in her basketball family background—has been key to her success. Raised near Cleveland, she comes from a lineage of basketball players, with her mother a Vanderbilt alum and her grandmother a Cleveland State University basketball player.
Hillmon’s dedication extends beyond physical readiness to the small but vital aspects of teamwork, especially communication. During a recent practice, coach Carl Smesko stressed the importance of communication and boxing out, a message that Hillmon and teammate Brean Jones exemplify as vocal leaders on the court. Hillmon’s leadership style, characterized by being vocal and leading by example, has earned her praise from teammates like Te Hina Paopao, who sees her as an encouraging presence that fosters better leadership qualities in others.
Known by several nicknames including “leader” and “illusion,” Hillmon is regarded as the glue that holds the team together, especially given the significant impact of the Atlanta bench unit she helps lead. Her playing time and influence rank among the most valuable on the team. As of July 1st, she ranks in the Dream’s top 10 in online player ratings, showcasing her impact on and off the court.
Hillmon’s game has evolved under coach Smesko, particularly in her shooting. Inspired by the coach’s style, she embraced the challenge of becoming a three-point threat, improving significantly from her rookie years when she took only six three-point shots. Now, she boasts a 38.7% shooting percentage from beyond the arc. Coach Smesko and assistant coach Chelsea Lyles have praised her development into a confident shooter who continues to improve.
To maintain her streak of 124 consecutive games, Hillmon understands the importance of adaptability and availability, continuing to evolve her game to meet the team’s needs. She embodies resilience and leadership, contributing one game at a time to the Atlanta Dream’s success.
Fan Take: Naz Hillmon’s record-breaking durability and leadership highlight the often-underrated importance of consistency and adaptability in professional sports. For WNBA fans, her dedication not only elevates the Atlanta Dream but also sets a powerful example for aspiring athletes about the value of persistence and evolution in the game. This kind of player growth is crucial for the continued rise of women’s basketball.
