Question 1

How real is the scoring leap from UNC to Italy?

Accepted Answer

The leap is documented and verifiable. At UNC in 2024-25, Alyssa averaged 10.9 PPG as the team's fourth offensive option. In her Italian Serie A1 rookie season she averaged 19.5 PPG as the primary option, winning the league scoring title outright. That is a +8.6 PPG delta in one offseason, against professional competition that included former WNBA players. She did it at 56% field goal efficiency across a full season, not a hot stretch.

Question 2

What is her three-point projection at the next level?

Accepted Answer

She shot 31.6% from three at UNC in her senior year, primarily as a secondary or tertiary option. Her Roseto coach, Simone Righi, noted on signing her that she is "capable of attacking in one-on-one with intensity and also hitting with a three-point shot." The floor-spacing projection is real but developing. What scouts should weight more heavily is that defenders cannot sag off her, because she scored 19.5 PPG at 56% overall from inside the arc.

Question 3

Who can she guard one-through-four in the WNBA?

Accepted Answer

She was named Italian Serie A1 Defensive Player of the Year in her rookie professional season. At UNC she made the ACC All-Defensive Team and led ACC league games in defensive rebounds at 7.64 DRPG. Lynne Roberts of the LA Sparks described her as "one of the best athletes in the country." That athleticism, combined with her 6'2" frame and elite motor, allows her to guard wings and forwards at the WNBA level.

Question 4

How did she handle going undrafted in 2025?

Accepted Answer

She said publicly: "I didn't hear my name called, and that is just a part of my story. And there's nothing wrong with that, because I've always been a kid that just needs a chance." The LA Sparks signed her immediately after the draft as a free agent. She then went to Italy, won the league scoring title, and was named Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in her first professional season.

Question 5

What is the durability profile?

Accepted Answer

Alyssa played 158 games across five seasons at UNC without a documented significant injury absence. In Italy she completed a full regular season and playoff run as the primary offensive and defensive focal point of her team. Before basketball she was a three-sport varsity athlete in high school, earning 14 total varsity letters.

Question 6

What is her shot diet in the pros?

Accepted Answer

Her head coach at Roseto described her attack profile as: one-on-one drives with intensity, plus the threat of a three-point shot. Her 56% field goal efficiency at 19.5 PPG over a full season means the majority of her makes came from high-percentage areas. Her career high in Italy was 31 points against Campobasso.

Question 7

Who has coached her and what have they said on the record?

Accepted Answer

Courtney Banghart (UNC): "The competitive character of Alyssa Ustby is the Tar Heel way." and "There's not a better rebounder in program history than Alyssa." Simone Righi (Roseto): "She is able to fill multiple roles. I was struck by the amazing energy she puts on both sides of the floor." Lynne Roberts (LA Sparks): "Her rebounding is elite. She's one of the best athletes in the country."

Question 8

What is her best WNBA-comparable role?

Accepted Answer

She projects as a versatile starting forward, most naturally a 4 with the size to back up at 5 and the athleticism to switch onto wing players on defense. Her 6'2" frame, 1,269 career rebounds at UNC and 10.3 RPG in Italy, scoring title output (19.5 PPG), and defensive award at the pro level fit the modern WNBA demand for forwards who create mismatches in both directions.

Question 9

What is the character and locker-room read?

Accepted Answer

She served as team captain at UNC for two consecutive seasons (2023-24, 2024-25). Coach Banghart said: "She cares so much about the 'Carolina' across her chest. She's selfless, but she's tough." In her own words: "I'm a type of player that is super resilient. High effort, high motor type of kid that's going to give you all I have on both ends of the floor."

Question 10

How do I reach her agent?

Accepted Answer

She is represented by 4PS Basketball. Email am@4psbasketball.com or visit 4psbasketball.com. For WNBA front-office and scout inquiries specifically, you can also submit a structured request using the front-office inquiry form at alyssaustby.com/case-for-the-w.

FAQ for Scouts

How real is the scoring leap from UNC to Italy?

Who can she guard one-through-four in the WNBA?

How did she handle going undrafted in 2025?

How do I reach her agent?