After the Las Vegas Aces announced their new general manager, Natalie Williams, on April 8th, the Aces were able to make some trades before the draft. On April 10th, the Aces acquired the No. 8 and No. 13 picks in the 2022 WNBA Draft from Lynx in exchange for 2023 first- and second-rounders. The Aces also had picks in the second and third rounds. The draft was held on April 11th where the Aces drafted many talented players. Here is the Las Vegas Aces 2022 Draft Recap, let’s learn about these players and how they will contribute to the Aces’ success.
🎰 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮 𝗪𝗡𝗕𝗔 𝗗𝗥𝗔𝗙𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗔𝗣 🎰
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) April 12, 2022
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No. 8 Pick: Mya Hollingshed
Mya Hollingshed was selected 8th in the draft for the Aces. She is a 6’3 forward from the University of Colorado. Hollingshed made history for the Buffaloes being the first player from the university to be drafted in the WNBA first round. The Aces were in need of a strong post player and Hollingshed is a perfect fit for them. She finished sixth all-time in points with 1,681, rebounds with 911, and double-doubles with 25. During her time at Colorado, she was named to the first-team All-Pac-12 in her final two seasons. She averaged 14.1 points and 7.4 rebounds this past season. Hollingshed will be a great addition to the Aces.
No. 11 Pick: Kierstan Bell
Kierstan Bell was selected 11th in the draft for the Aces. She is a 6’1 guard from Florida Gulf Coast University. She helped lead FGCU to the NCAA Tournament each of the last two years. When asked about what she will bring to the team, she mentioned her versatility and her confidence. She also noted that she will get to learn from players such as A’ja Wilson. Her versatility and confidence will be a large asset for the Aces. She averaged 23.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game this past season and became the first player to repeat as the Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year winner, now she will play under Hammon. Bell will be a great addition to the Aces.
No. 13 Pick: Khayla Pointer
Khayla Pointer was selected 13th in the draft for the Aces. She is a 5’7 guard from Louisiana State University. She was the first LSU player to be drafted since 2018. Pointer is the first player in LSU history to have 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, and 500 assists in a career. She was also a huge part of getting LSU to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2018 and getting a no. 3 seed. Pointer is a quick shooter and a playmaker, she will get to learn from players like Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young. She averaged 19.6 points per game, 6.4 rebounds per game, and 5.3 assists per game and made All-SEC first team. This was a great pick-up for the Aces and not only that but Pointer has family ties to Fargas as well having played for her for four years.
No. 23 Pick: Aisha Sheppard
Aisha Sheppard was selected 23rd in the draft for the Aces. She is a 5’9 guard from Virginia Tech. She is Virginia Tech’s all-time leading scorer with 1,883 points and also owns the ACC WBB record for 3-pointers made with 402. With this draft selection, she became the highest WNBA draft pick in Virginia Tech program history. This past season she averaged she averaged 13.3 points per game and broke her own record for 3-pointers made in a season. Like Pointer, Sheppard will get to learn from players like Plum and Young. Her shooting and ability to score will be a huge asset for the Aces. This was a great pick-up and selection for the Aces. Sheppard among others will be tested in training camp, but under Hammon and the Aces players, she will definitely learn a lot and hopefully make the final roster.
No. 35 Pick: Faustine Aifuwa
Faustine Aifuwa was drafted 35th in the draft for the Aces. She is a 6’5 center from Louisiana State University. Aifuwa ended her career with the second-most blocks in LSU history with 239, the fifth most rebounds with 970, and at No. 21 on LSU’s scoring list with 1,302 points. She LSU in rebounding in eight games and in points during four games during this past season. Aifuwa also has ties to LV Aces President Nikki Fargas having played for her during her time at LSU. The Aces were primarily looking for post players in this year’s draft and Aifuwa is a great addition not only with height but defensive and offensive capabilities. She will get to learn from some of the best post players such as A’ja Wilson. Training camp will allow Aifuwa to learn and grow and hopefully make the final roster.
Thanks for reading the Las Vegas Aces 2022 Draft Recap. Make sure to follow my Twitter @aislynjowers for more of my content and follow @beyondwsports. Make sure to keep a lookout for my next article. Be sure to check out Beyond Women’s Sports for more articles on amazing women and their sport.
