A friendly prediction from WNBA legend Candace Parker about a five-star recruit has ignited a playful rivalry with another league star, Aliyah Boston. The exchange centers on Oliviyah Edwards, the nation’s No. 2 prospect in the 2026 class, who recently committed to the University of Tennessee.
While the conversation highlights Boston’s immense legacy in South Carolina, it also shines a bright spotlight on the next generation of women’s basketball talent and the competitive fire already brewing between them.
Can Oliviyah Edwards and Candace Parker Team Up to Spark a New Lady Vols Dynasty?
Oliviyah Edwards, a 6-foot-3 forward from Tacoma, Washington, has quickly become one of the most sought-after prospects in the country. Ranked as the No. 2 player in the 2026 class, she chose the Tennessee Lady Vols over a list of powerhouse programs that included South Carolina, USC, LSU, Florida, and Washington. Edwards made her decision during an official visit to Knoxville, which coincided with an appearance by Candace Parker, one of the most iconic players in Lady Vols history.
Parker has taken a clear interest in mentoring Edwards and has used her platform to promote the young star. This growing connection has fueled conversations far beyond the typical recruiting buzz. During a recent episode of her podcast, Parker hosted former South Carolina standout Aliyah Boston, where the discussion naturally turned to Edwards and the future of college basketball.
Parker couldn’t contain her excitement about the incoming talent, saying, “I just want to let the people know that ‘Oliviyah Big ‘O’ Edwards, as I saw her [committing to Lady Vols recently].”
Boston playfully fired back, referencing her own dominant college program. “I just hate that she’s going to have to go down to the Gamecocks,” she said. “Like I hate that when South Carolina plays y’all like it’s over.”
Parker highlighted the forward’s potential: “In college basketball, the national championship is one with the best front court players, hands down, 100%. And I will say that we got one of the best front court players. So, I’m expecting two, three banners… Yeah, I’m expecting that.” Boston, however, was quick to defend her alma mater’s legacy, asserting, “Not with my Gamecocks competing.”
Edwards’ commitment is a massive strategic victory for Tennessee. The program is set to lose three of its four forwards to graduation after the 2025-26 season, making her arrival critical for maintaining roster stability and talent. Head coach Kim Caldwell and her staff have prioritized high school recruiting, looking to build on the momentum from their No. 2-ranked 2025 recruiting class.
The young forward’s athleticism is already the stuff of legend. She first dunked in the seventh grade and earned a public shoutout from Parker over the summer after another dunk in an AAU game. That moment prompted Parker to say, “I personally see big Tennessee orange in her future,” before reaching out to Edwards directly.
This partnership between Parker and Edwards goes beyond simple mentorship. Both athletes are connected through Adidas, where Parker serves as the president of women’s basketball. In May, Parker signed Edwards to the brand’s NIL class. By the time Edwards steps onto the court in Knoxville, the Tennessee program will also be affiliated with Adidas, further strengthening their bond.
Adding to her support system, Edwards has also received guidance from Chamique Holdsclaw, a former Lady Vol and the program’s all-time leading scorer, who coached her at Overtime Select last summer. She has also trained with incoming Tennessee freshmen Mia Pauldo, Mya Pauldo, and Deniya Prawl, building chemistry that should help her make an immediate impact. This powerful combination of elite talent, legendary mentorship, and brewing rivalries sets the stage for Edwards to become a pivotal figure for Tennessee and the entire landscape of women’s college basketball.