A quick primer on the other new pro sports team in town — the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces
The Backstory
The Aces began as the Utah Starzz in the WNBA’s inaugural season, 1997, then moved to San Antonio as the Stars in 2003. Last year, MGM Resorts International bought the team and gave it a new name and a new logo that’s a little Stardust, a little Riviera. Recent years haven’t been winning ones, but a new roster, new coach, and new arena might offer a whole new deal.
The Coach
Bill Laimbeer was known as one of the NBA’s toughest players. He’s praised the grit and athleticism of the women’s game, and coached the WNBA’s Detroit Shock to three championships, and the New York Liberty to three conference titles. Laimbeer is known for building a strong defense and turning around struggling teams.
The Team
This is a young team, with most players under 25. Guard Kelsey Plum holds the record for most points scored in the NCAA, and was the WNBA’s first draft pick in 2017. Point guard Moriah Jefferson and guard Kayla McBride are a strong backcourt combination.
The Draft Pick
The Aces won the first draft pick in the WNBA lottery and chose A’ja Wilson from the University of South Carolina. She led her team to an NCAA Championship and four SEC tournament championships, and swept the National Player of the Year Awards in 2018. Now, the Aces rookie regularly notches double-doubles.
The Community
Part of the WNBA’s mission is to build community relationships, and the Aces have appeared at schools and events. Guard Sequoia Holmes — a Las Vegas native and UNLV alumna — has held local basketball clinics.
See: aces.wnba.com