The Las Vegas Aces, a dominant force in the WNBA, are eager to reclaim their championship status after their impressive back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023.
Despite three Finals appearances in six years, the 2024 season saw setbacks, including the departure of key players like Kelsey Plum. With a refreshed roster and a strong desire to secure a third title, the Aces are counting on Liz Kitley to help them win their third WNBA championship.
The Legend of Kitley Begins in Blacksburg
Liz Kitley’s role in one of the most successful eras in Virginia Tech’s history is a source of pride for the school and its fans.
She finished her collegiate career as the program’s all-time leading scorer, rebounder, and blocker. Her three-year reign as the ACC Player of the Year from 2022 to 2024 is a testament to her dominance at the collegiate level.
In her junior season, Kitley’s statistics were impressive, averaging 18.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game while maintaining a 55.8 field goal percentage. She would cap off her junior year by leading Virginia Tech to the Final Four for the first time in program history, stamping her time in Blacksburg as the most successful stretch ever.
As impressive as the stats are, Kitley’s time at Virginia Tech was more than that.
She consistently delivered in big moments and was a leader on and off the floor. Each year, her game improved as she worked to improve her ability to facilitate from the high post, touch around the rim, and defensive positioning. Despite suffering a gruesome ACL injury at the end of her final season in Blacksburg, there was no denying that she would hear her name called in the 2024 WNBA Draft. The only questions left to answer were when she would be drafted and which team would call her name, adding an element of intrigue to her future in the WNBA.
Welcome to Vegas, Liz!
It took nearly two complete rounds of the 2024 WNBA Draft before Vegas finally selected Kitley with the 24th pick.
The Aces saw the potential in pairing Kitley with three-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson, a move that could redefine their post-play. With Wilson’s established dominance and Kitley’s untapped potential, the Aces’ future looks promising with this new post duo.
Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon, who spent years on Gregg Popovich’s coaching staff with the San Antonio Spurs, has brought the influences of Popovich’s coaching style to Vegas’ play. Under Hammon’s guidance, the Aces have established themselves as a team that thrives on pace, floor spacing, and utilizing A’ja Wilson’s dominance as a two-way player. Wilson punishes the opposition with her deadly midrange shooting, dominance in the paint, and lockdown defense.
By adding Liz Kitley to the team, Vegas hopes to enhance its offensive and defensive strategies, play to her strengths and add another layer of potency.
Exploring Vegas’ New Post Duo
Kitley’s expertise lies at the center position, where she has consistently demonstrated her comfort with her back to the basket and her soft touch at the rim.
She is a classic post-player, aggressive in her rebounding, adept at deep sealing, and skilled in executing hook shots, up-and-unders, and drop steps. In contrast, Wilson excels as a versatile face-up scorer, capable of attacking the fastbreak or breaking down her defender from the elbow. While different, their unique styles create a perfect balance on the court, allowing them to play to their strengths on offense while forming one of the most effective rebounding duos in the league.
Kitley’s defensive prowess is awe-inspiring, particularly her elite shot-blocking instincts and rim-protecting abilities. These instincts will prove invaluable when Wilson’s defensive matchup pulls her out to the perimeter. Kitley’s impeccable timing and length enable her to disrupt shots and secure defensive rebounds, providing Wilson with much-needed support in these crucial areas.
The most significant benefit of this new duo down low will be the wealth of knowledge that Wilson will pour into Kitley. With Wilson’s extensive resume and unmatched work ethic, professionalism, and leadership, Kitley’s first season in the WNBA will be a crucial one, as she absorbs all the nuances of the game at the WNBA level the same way Wilson did from Candace Parker during her lone season in Vegas in 2023.
What Can Vegas Expect From Kitley?
Coming off an ACL injury, the Aces will likely ease Liz Kitley into the season. She will likely come off the bench to start the season and may play with a minute restriction as she works to get used to playing at game speed. However, as the season progresses, there is a strong possibility that, if she plays well, Kitley may earn her way into the starting spot alongside Wilson.
As a team that will likely be among the top contenders for a championship in 2025, the Aces will ensure that they don’t rush Kitley’s progress or give her too much too soon. For the Aces, Kitley’s return to the court after the ACL injury is about more than just this season. It’s about their future.
Championship windows can close just as fast as they open, and the best franchises are constantly preparing themselves for the present and the future simultaneously. Liz Kitley, with her potential to become one of the most impactful players off the bench in the WNBA this season, is a player to watch. In the future, she may find herself as Vegas’ primary defensive anchor and cornerstone of the franchise once A’ja Wilson decides to retire.
Future projections and speculations aside, here’s what we know: Liz Kitley is a hard worker and a great leader with a selfless mentality that puts the team first. If there were anyone the Aces would potentially want to be the next face of their franchise, there’s no better person for the job than Liz.
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