This Saturday, the Las Vegas Aces will head down south to play the Puerto Rico national team. A’Ja Wilson will be returning to her hometown of Columbia, South Carolina.
See you this Saturday, FAMS! 🤭
🌐 https://t.co/UkB5ROy3PJ pic.twitter.com/ZzhLMhZ9oC
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) May 9, 2024
Puerto Rico
Wilson and the Aces will play in Colonial Life Arena, the same arena that the South Carolina Gamecocks compete in as well. It will be a nostalgic feeling for Wilson being that was her college alma mater as well.
May 11 will be the last preseason game before the home opener on Tuesday. Though the national team may be considered an underdog, they should not be taken lightly.
Puerto Rico accomplished the historic feat of securing a slot in the upcoming Olympic games to take place in Paris. The fact that this team was able to defeat other countries shows they can compete at a high level.
Exhibition Importance
Las Vegas is only permitted one preseason game before the lingering WNBA season. It is important to ensure all of the mistakes are limited and adjusted before the season begins.
October 18th was the last time the Aces have competed in a full contact game that was on a schedule. This was their championship win against the New York Liberty.
The interesting piece of the Aces season will be to see the effect of not having WNBA legend, Candace Parker. She was injured during the WNBA playoffs last season, but her regular season minutes will need to be distributed.
Saturday will be indicative on the healthiness of guard, Chelsea Gray. Gray suffered a left foot injury which hindered her from playing in the last series played in October.
Puerto Rico will aim to take down the Aces in their neutral exhibition where each team will showcase their basketball abilities.
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Trevis Dampier Jr is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @trevisjay_
