Las Vegas Aces Take A'ja Wilson With First Pick In WNBA Draft

LAS VEGAS, NV - Golden Knights fever is at an all-time high, but they aren't the only pro sports team making headlines in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Aces held the first overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft Thursday night and made South Carolina's A'ja Wilson the team's first ever draft pick.

Wilson has been a decorated player since her high school days. She was named ESPN's #1 ranked recruit coming out of Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in South Carolina and committed to the University of South Carolina. She was the Southeastern Conference's freshman of the year in 2015. She would go on to win three consecutive SEC Player of the Year Awards from 2016-18 and was named a first-team All American in each of those years. She led the Gamecocks to a National Championship in 2017 and was named the tournament's most outstanding player. She capped off her collegiate career by being named the National Player of the Year in 2018, averaging over 22 points and nearly 12 rebounds per game.

Despite her decorated resume, the 6'5", 21-year old forward say she has a lot to work on at the professional level.

"It's a lot that I need to take care of. Whether it's using my right hand more, expanding my game, learning how to read defenses, a bunch of things," Wilson said after being selected No. 1 overall.

With their new centerpiece in place, the Aces now look to their inaugural WNBA season. Preseason begings May 6 with a 5 p.m. tipoff at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. The Aces open the regular season on the road, May 20 in Connecticut. The team's home opener is May 27 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, as the Aces take on the Seattle Storm at 5 p.m.

When asked what message she has for her new city, Wilson had this to say:

"What happens in Sin City, stays in Sin City."

Image via South Carolina Gamecocks YouTube video