The Las Vegas Aces will be honored as part of a celebratory ring ceremony before their home opener on Friday at Michelob Ultra Arena. This event comes after the Aces’ success at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, and newcomer Jewell Loyd helped Team USA secure a gold medal against France.
The ceremony will take place ahead of the Aces’ matchup with the Washington Mystics at 7 p.m. USA Basketball will present each of the four players with commemorative rings. Wilson not only was integral to the team’s gold medal victory but also earned the title of MVP in the tournament, showcasing her exceptional skills by averaging 18.7 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, including four double-doubles throughout the events.
Reflecting on the upcoming ceremony, Wilson expressed her surprise at receiving further recognition on top of her gold medal, emphasizing the importance of securing a win in their season opener. Gray echoed this sentiment, appreciating the acknowledgment after their hard work and dedication.
Loyd brought a humorous perspective to the close score of the gold medal match, acknowledging both the pride in their performance and the competitive nature of the game.
As the Aces prepare for their home debut, Coach Becky Hammon noted the mixed emotions surrounding last season’s abrupt playoff exit, with hopes that they can build on their Olympic experiences to achieve better results this season. The returning players believe that their time together at the Olympics has strengthened their team chemistry and recovery strategies, crucial for the demanding WNBA season ahead.
The Aces are eager to channel their Olympic success into regular-season victories and are looking forward to establishing a winning momentum as they honor their recent achievements.
The matchup against the Mystics is primed to be an exciting encounter. Fans can tune in via local broadcast channels to catch the action live.