Brief Introduction of Naz Hillmon
Nazahrah Ansaria “Naz” Hillmon is a distinguished American professional basketball player for the Atlanta Dream in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). A powerful and tenacious forward, she is renowned for her exceptional rebounding ability and efficient scoring in the paint. Hillmon rose to national prominence during her collegiate career at the University of Michigan, where she shattered records and became the program’s first-ever player to achieve 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. Her impactful presence on the court, both in college and the professional ranks, has established her as a formidable force in women’s basketball.
Naz Hillmon Overview
| Full Name | Nazahrah Ansaria Hillmon |
| Date of Birth | April 5, 2000 |
| Age | 25 years old |
| Birthplace | Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Family | NaSheema Hillmon (Mother), Victor Anderson (Stepfather), Frederick Baker (Father) |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player |
| Team | Atlanta Dream (WNBA) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500,000 (as of 2025) |
Early Life and Education of Naz Hillmon
Naz Hillmon was born on April 5, 2000, in Cleveland, Ohio, into a family with a rich basketball legacy. Her mother, NaSheema Hillmon (now Anderson), was a standout player at Vanderbilt University and played professionally in the American Basketball League (ABL). This athletic heritage extended to her grandmother, Gail Williams, who played at Cleveland State, and her uncle, Jawad Williams, who won an NCAA championship with North Carolina and played in the NBA. This environment deeply influenced Hillmon, who began playing organized basketball in the fourth grade.
She attended Gilmour Academy in Gates Mills, Ohio, where she established herself as a dominant force. Over four varsity seasons, she started every single one of the 116 games played, amassing a school-record 2,057 points and 1,607 rebounds. As a senior, she led the Lancers to their first-ever OHSAA Division III state championship, capping a remarkable high school career.
Naz Hillmon’s Career
Collegiate Career at Michigan (2018-2022)
Hillmon committed to the University of Michigan, where she embarked on one of the most decorated careers in the program’s history. Even as a freshman coming off the bench, she made an immediate impact, averaging a team-high 13.1 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. Her outstanding performance earned her the titles of Big Ten Freshman of the Year and the conference’s Sixth Player of the Year.
Over the next three seasons, she became a consistent starter and the undisputed leader of the Wolverines. She was a unanimous four-time First-Team All-Big Ten selection, the first player in program history to achieve this feat. As a junior, she was named the Big Ten Player of the Year after a phenomenal season where she averaged nearly 24 points and over 11 rebounds per game. A historic highlight of this season was her 50-point, 16-rebound performance against Ohio State, setting a new single-game scoring record for any Michigan basketball player, male or female.
By the end of her time in Ann Arbor, Hillmon had rewritten the record books. She became the first and only player in Michigan history—men’s or women’s—to accumulate over 2,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds. She finished as the program’s all-time leader in rebounds (1,063), double-doubles (52), and made free throws (487).
WNBA Career with the Atlanta Dream (2022-Present)
On March 29, 2022, Hillmon declared for the WNBA draft, forgoing her extra year of college eligibility. She was selected with the 15th overall pick in the second round by the Atlanta Dream, becoming the highest draft pick in the history of Michigan women’s basketball.
In her rookie season, Hillmon quickly carved out a significant role, setting the Atlanta franchise rookie record for rebounds in a season with 172. She demonstrated her readiness for the professional level, providing energy and a strong interior presence. She continued to develop and in her second season, played in all 40 regular-season games.
Her breakout professional season came in 2025. Elevating her game significantly, she increased her averages to 8.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game and showcased a new dimension to her skills by making 53 three-pointers after having made only one in her previous seasons. This remarkable improvement and her crucial impact off the bench earned her the prestigious Associated Press WNBA Sixth Player of the Year award, the first player in Atlanta Dream history to receive the honor.
International Career
Hillmon has also proudly represented the United States on the international stage. She has won three gold medals with USA Basketball: at the 2018 FIBA Americas U18 Championship, the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup, and the 2021 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup.
Naz Hillmon Personal Life & Family
Family is a cornerstone of Naz Hillmon’s life and basketball journey. She is the daughter of NaSheema Hillmon and Frederick Baker and her stepfather is Victor Anderson. She is one of five siblings, including brothers Zahkir and Zharius Hillmon, half-sister Za’Tasia Baker, and step-sister Jayda Anderson. Her family’s deep roots in basketball, particularly the guidance and experiences of her mother and grandmother, have been a constant source of inspiration and support. In interviews, she often expresses gratitude for her family and teammates, emphasizing a “team-before-me” attitude.
Awards and Achievements of Naz Hillmon
| Year | Award/Honor |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Associated Press WNBA Sixth Player of the Year |
| 2025 | All-WNBL First Team |
| 2024 | All-WNBL Second Team |
| 2021, 2022 | First-team All-American (USBWA, WBCA) |
| 2022 | First-team All-American (AP) |
| 2021 | Big Ten Player of the Year |
| 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 | First-team All-Big Ten |
| 2019 | Big Ten Freshman of the Year |
| 2019 | Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year |
| 2021 | Gold Medal, FIBA AmeriCup |
| 2019 | Gold Medal, FIBA U19 World Cup |
| 2018 | Gold Medal, FIBA Americas U18 Championship |
Naz Hillmon Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Naz Hillmon’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000. Her primary income source is her WNBA contract with the Atlanta Dream. Her rookie contract was a 3-year deal worth $199,170. For the 2025 season, her base salary is reported to be $80,823. Additionally, Hillmon earns income from playing overseas during the WNBA offseason and from various endorsements and sponsorships.
Legacy and Influence
Naz Hillmon’s legacy is firmly cemented at the University of Michigan, where she is regarded as one of the greatest players in the program’s history. Her records and accolades set a new standard of excellence for the Wolverines. In the WNBA, she is building a reputation as a reliable, hardworking, and ever-improving player whose energy and team-first mentality make her a valuable asset. Her journey as a third-generation basketball player also serves as a powerful story of lineage and dedication to the sport, inspiring future generations of female athletes.
Interesting Facts about Naz Hillmon
- She was the first player in Michigan women’s basketball history to wear the jersey number 00.
- Her family has won a combined eight Ohio high school state basketball championships.
- Outside of basketball, Hillmon enjoys photography, particularly taking pictures of landscapes and scenery.
- She is a self-proclaimed foodie and enjoys finding new places to eat, often looking up spots featured on shows like “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”
- Hillmon considers herself a “big napper” and jokingly refers to it as her second sport.
Controversies
There are no widely reported controversies involving Naz Hillmon. She has maintained a positive public image focused on her athletic career and team contributions.
Social Media Presence
| Platform | Handle |
|---|---|
| @naz_hillmon |
Final Words about Naz Hillmon
Naz Hillmon continues to be a rising star in the world of professional women’s basketball. Her journey from a high school champion to a collegiate record-breaker and now a WNBA award winner is a testament to her talent, work ethic, and the strong foundation provided by her family. As she continues to evolve her game with the Atlanta Dream, her impact on the court and her influence as a role model are poised to grow even stronger in the years to come.
