Three rookies will be making their professional debuts this season, with Elizabeth Kitley making her return after rehabilitating a torn ACL during the 2024 season.
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Aaliyah Nye
”With the 13th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, the Las Vegas Aces proudly select Aaliyah Nye,” announced commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Nye walked on stage, shook hands and took her new black and silver jersey.
The 6’0 guard from Alabama will be heading to the desert for the 2025 season, working with names like Jewell Loyd, Chelsea Gray and A’ja Wilson to push for her first and the team’s third championship title.
Nye was an unexpected pick, with players like Shyanne Sellers available for the draft. However, at the 2024 draft, the Aces pulled a similar stunt, drafting Kate Martin unexpectedly. Martin became a fan favorite in the Las Vegas Valley, but was taken by Golden State in their expansion draft.
Alabama’s 3-point leader had high percentages this season with the Crimson Tide. In her final season, Nye had an impressive 83% free throw percentage, 45.5% for 3-pointers and a field goal percentage of 45.4%.
Throughout her career, Nye played 142 collegiate games, transferring from Illinois to Alabama in 2022. Nye averaged 28.8 minutes per game, playing a high of 33.4 minutes per game in her last season. Nye had a collegiate career with 1,739 points, alongside 358 rebounds and 162 assists.
“She’s a consistent player,” said Aces president Nikki Fargas, “who can knock down a 3-point shot, shooting 45.5% last season while playing in such a competitive conference like the SEC. She’s been able to showcase other qualities that help lead her team to postseason play, to get Alabama back to that national level of prominence.”
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Harmoni Turner
In the third round, the Aces held the 35th pick overall. With this selection, they selected an Ivy League powerhouse: Harmoni Turner from Harvard University.
Turner had an impressive season with the Crimson, leading them to the Ivy League championship as a third seed and beating Columbia by three. Turner led the Crimson in points with 24, going 9 for 20 in field goals, and making 3 out of 4 free throws.
The Becky Hammon Mid-Major Play of the Year winner shot 35% on 3-pointers, made 81.2% of her free throws and shot 43.5% from field goal range. On the season, she averaged 22.5 points per game, along with 5.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists. In 110 games played, the Crimson guard had 2,032 career collegiate points, along with 668 rebounds.
“Harmoni is one of those dynamic players that you love watching her style of play,” said Fargas, “which resembles a player that can score on multiple levels. She can shoot the 3, she can hit the midrange jumper and she can finish out the rack.”
Both prospects made their presence known within their respective conferences. While their skillsets are equally important, their mindsets going into this season show that they are ready for whatever comes their way.
“Having a point guard that can find you is really important, especially as a shooter,” said Nye in a press conference, “but I’m just excited to space the floor for A’ja and get her more looks. I think with my ability to shoot, people have to guard me and stay connected. I think I space the floor really well. Even if I’m not getting those shots, I’m just excited to just help my teammates.”
“I’m so grateful to receive an opportunity to fulfill my dreams and that’s all I needed,” said Turner via the Aces social media, “an opportunity — and the Aces took a chance on me, so thank you! I’m more than excited to join the Aces and cannot wait to showcase my talents and bring back that championship culture. The nerd is headed to Vegas, baby!”
With the excitement, dedication and hard work these two are ready to put in, they’ll show the league that the Aces played their cards right.
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