In a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, the Las Vegas Aces introduced their two draftees in Harmoni Turner and Aaliyah Nye to the media.
Las Vegas Aces President Nikki Fargas expressed the organization’s excitement in welcoming Aaliyah Nye and Harmoni Turner to the Aces.
Fargas said, “Both of these women are unbelievable basketball players, but they are unbelievable people. When you look at Aaliyah Nye, her sharpshooting, her defensive tenacity, is very attractive to us at this next level and then Harmoni Turner, her ability to get downhill, to play multiple positions on the perimeter, the versatility of both of their games, we’re just extremely excited to have them, coming into training camp.”
Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Aaliyah Nye poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the number thirteen overall pick to the Las Vegas Aces in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
“We can’t wait to see their growth and we can’t wait for them to arrive here in Las Vegas,” Vargas continued.
Aaliyah Nye was drafted 13th in the 2025 WNBA Draft out of Alabama along with Harmoni Turner at 35th out of Harvard.
During the press conference, both Nye and Turner expressed their excitement in the opportunity and sincere readiness to learn and work hard with the Aces to be missing pieces to a championship caliber team.
“I can’t wait to be a sponge, I can’t wait to learn, I can’t wait to compete, I feel like this is the perfect team to compete with and I can’t wait to bring back that winning culture that they have.”
Mar 22, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Harvard Crimson guard Harmoni Turner (14) races down court during the second half at James T. Valvano Arena at William Neal Reynolds. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images
Both draftees were asked about coach Hammon’s key concepts of unity and work ethic in the locker room as well as the talent on the court.
Nye said, “I always say that I was never highly recruited, or I wasn’t on a top recruit, McDonald’s All-American and those things but, I do pride myself on working hard and just being consistent. I think like they say, hard work beats talent, that’s something that I just live by.”
Turner said, “I feel like for me, work ethic just kind of eliminates all the negativity, all of the fear that you might have, the doubt that you might had. I’ve always been overlooked and the underdog. That has kind of fueled me throughout my entire career.”
With training camp and the season starting soon it will be interesting to see where both of these young players fit in the Aces offense and defense to bring about another successful season.
