After 10 years, the WNBA is on the rise. The league, which held its annual All-Star Game last night at the Garden, is on the way up, but that has nothing to do with ratings or attendance numbers.

It’s on the way above the rim, that is.

So far, Lisa Leslie is the only player in league history to dunk in a game. But with the evolution of the women’s game also comes the progression of skills and talent, evident by the large number of younger players in this year’s All-Star Game. And the game may be taking a turn upwards – as in above the rim.

Players coming into the league now are more athletic than ever, their basketball skills are sharper than ever and the WNBA is enjoying growth across the country, thanks to the increased level of talent that is funneling into the league.

This year, for instance, there are an unprecedented four rookies playing in the All-Star Game. Minnesota’s Seimone Augustus, Phoenix guard Cappie Pondexter, San Antonio’s Sophia Young and Chicago’s Candice Dupree all were in college before the year started. Midway through their maiden seasons, they represent the next generation of WNBA stars.

“They are certainly players who can take our league to the next level,” veteran Dawn Staley, coach of the Temple women’s basketball team, said. “I think within the next two years the WNBA will be playing above the rim, and I think that’s going to be really enticing for a different fan base.”

Imagine that. Girls dunking basketballs, going high above the rim for rebounds and put-back jams.

“It definitely speaks volumes about the college game and the talent that they have coming out,” Augustus said. “And being here speaks to the talent of our teams and how they’re allowing us to platy as well as we’re playing.”

While the WNBA has looked back on 10 years this week as it celebrates its decade of existence, many observers wonder what the league will be like 10 years from now.

“Ten years is not a very long time in the grand scheme of things,” Sue Bird said. “Right now it feels like a lot, but it’s not. And for us to go from where the league was in year one to where it is right now I think is tremendous.”