Imagine being cut from a team only to rise like a phoenix, dominating every challenge that comes your way. That’s the story of Veronica Burton, whose journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. But here’s where it gets even more inspiring: after being waived by the Wings, Burton didn’t just bounce back—she soared to heights few could have predicted. Last year alone, she clinched a WNBL championship, earned a spot on the All-WNBL Second Team, and became a two-way powerhouse in the WNBA, leading the Valkyries to their first-ever playoff appearance. Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed; she snagged the Most Improved Player award and a place on the All-Defensive Second Team. And she didn’t stop there—Burton went on to win gold at the 3x3 AmeriCup and even trained with the five-on-five national team. Now, she’s set to conquer a new frontier: Unrivaled, a stage that promises to showcase her versatility and skill like never before.
Unrivaled is Burton’s next big opportunity, and it couldn’t come at a better time. Fresh off a WNBA season that solidified her status as a top-tier guard, she’s poised to make waves in this fast-paced, three-on-three format. And this is the part most people miss: Unrivaled’s full-court, high-octane environment demands players who can excel both offensively and defensively—a perfect fit for Burton’s skill set. Playing alongside stars like Breanna Stewart, Arike Ogunbowale, and Alanna Smith on Mist BC, she’s likely to come off the bench but will undoubtedly leave an immediate mark.
Defensively, Burton is a force to be reckoned with. After spending the WNBA season locking down the league’s best guards, she proved her mettle as one of only two guards to make an All-Defensive team (the other being Rhyne Howard). In Unrivaled’s spacious, fast-paced setting, her ability to anchor the defense will be invaluable. Offensively, she’s equally impressive. With an average of six assists per game in the 2025 WNBA season (fourth-highest in the league) and a knack for minimizing turnovers, she’s the playmaker Mist BC needs to set up their scorers. Plus, her scoring ability, though efficiency-challenged at times, is bound to improve when defenses can’t focus solely on her—a luxury she’ll have alongside her star-studded teammates.
But here’s the controversial part: Can Burton’s breakout season in the WNBA truly translate to Unrivaled success? Some might argue that the three-on-three format is too different, but her versatility suggests otherwise. If she thrives here, there’s little doubt she’s among the elite. Unrivaled isn’t just any league—it’s a battleground for some of the world’s best, including three of the top five WNBA MVP candidates. Dominating this level of competition would cement Burton’s 2025 breakout as no fluke. So, the question remains: Is Veronica Burton ready to prove she’s unrivaled? Let’s watch and find out—and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments!
