Aces For Everybody
Previously it's been Aces vs Everybody. But this weekend as the reigning WNBA Champions try to grow the game and connect fans, they're taking a different approach.
COLUMBIA —The crossover episode many have been waiting is finally here as the Las Vegas Aces hit the floor at Colonial Life Arena Friday afternoon to practice for their preseason game against Puerto Rico.
The team was fresh off a trip to the White House where they were honored by President Joe Biden for their second championship then they made the late night trip to A’ja Wilson’s old stomping grounds where they had to get a picture with her statue outside the arena.
Saturday’s preseason game is an idea many fans have had over the years; bring WNBA teams to popular college campuses. After practices, Aces head coach Becky Hammon reiterated that the game actually came about because “nobody wanted to play us,” before clarifying that the Connecticut Sun were willing participants. Ultimately, Uncasville was simply not a sexy enough city to entice the defending champs to make that far of a trip.
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley was also in attendance at Friday’s presser and said after the year her team has had, starting with the historic showdown in Paris, she was excited at the opportunity to host a WNBA game and help further grow the game.
Staley added that Aces President Nikki Fargas was instrumental in making sure the event happened.
Hammon noted that there has a resurgence of women's basketball back into mainstream conversations and she's proud to be apart of it.
Tip-off against Puerto Rico is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST. Make sure to follow @NoCapSpaceWBB on Twitter as we will try to stream some of the game.