‘I can’t wait’: Aces coach excited to welcome new weapons Loyd, Kitley

The Aces made sure the organization’s two WNBA championship trophies were visible as Jewell Loyd and Elizabeth Kitley were introduced Tuesday.

Team president Nikki Fargas and coach Becky Hammon sat on a raised platform with the new additions between them in front of a large black backdrop at the courts of the Aces’ practice facility, while the shiny reminders of their recent wins sat at their feet.

It was the physical expression of the event’s intended message. Despite the team’s bid to win three straight titles ending the semifinals last season, the Aces haven’t counted themselves out of the running this time around — and they’re expecting Kitley and, especially, six-time All-Star Loyd to move the needle.

“Obviously, we’re here to win championships,” Fargas said in her opening remarks. “These two young ladies understand the demand that coach is placing on them. I think that they’re going to help us put some more banners in this facility.”

Hammon made sure to repeat the sentiment.

“We’re about winning championships. I don’t think there’s any question in anybody’s mind that’s always our goal and purpose,” Hammon said. “Honestly, I can’t wait. I’m itching at it.”

Here are three takeaways from the press conference:

1. Change was needed

After criticizing the Aces’ apparent lack of a competitive edge for the entirety of last season, Hammon ended the year by saying that she knew this season’s roster would be different.

In her first press conference since then, Hammon was asked if there’s been more change than she expected.

“You know, we had a great run there,” Hammon said. “But we weren’t good (last season). We fell short last year. Let’s just be real. We didn’t get what we wanted, and that requires (change).”

The Aces lost cornerstone guard Kelsey Plum in the trade for Loyd, then said goodbye to free agents Tiffany Hayes, Alysha Clark and Sydney Colson, who all opted to join different teams.

“Pruning is not always comfortable.” Hammon said. “As much as I love every one of those players that decided to go elsewhere, I feel really good about the group that we have.”

Hammon went on to cite a lesson from South Carolina coach Dawn Staley, which three-time MVP A’ja Wilson shared in an exclusive interview with the Review-Journal.

“I think (Wilson) had referenced Dawn,” Hammon said. “Championship teams have a vibe and a feel. And I couldn’t agree more, but I’m feeling that mindset already, and that’s a good sign.”

For Hammon, the Aces seemed “hungry” to win last year. The New York Liberty, who ended the Aces’ season and won the title, were starving.

“A starving man will eat worms, bugs, whatever they can find,” Hammon said. “There’s a different mindset. And I think you saw that with New York last year. They had the best mindset all year. They played like that. But I think we’ll have that mindset this year.”

2. Stokes a focus

The Aces are clearly excited about having Kitley, a 6-foot-6-inch center, as an option this season after she missed last season while recovering from a left ACL tear. They also signed 2023 All-Star forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus to a training camp contract, but still placed high importance on returning center Kiah Stokes.

“I think (it’s huge) for us to be able to retain our core,” Fargas said. “When you think about the big three (Wilson, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young) and then you had Kiah, I mean, she’s been instrumental in us winning two world championships.”

That is a notable endorsement considering that Stokes’ contract isn’t guaranteed and she averaged 1.4 points and 4.7 rebounds last season. Fargas and Hammon did not mention center Megan Gustafson, who is also on an unprotected contract.

Hammon noted that “people forget how good” Kitley is. But she is remaining cautious in her recovery despite her excitement to get back to the court for this first time since Virginia Tech’s regular-season finale last March.

The Aces drafted Kitley in the second round last year, but she sat out the entire season.

“I think with an injury like this, it’s really important to be smart about everything,” Kitley said. “Sometimes, I’m feeling great, (and) it’s like, ‘Man, I just want to go out and play right now.’ But I think we’re all really interested in the long term, so we have to keep that in check a little bit.”

3. Chemistry amid competition

The Aces aren’t the only team that made major changes this offseason. The entire league seems to have adopted a win-now mentality.

“We’re at a very competitive point. The talent continues to grow. I think it’s great that the players are taking ownership of their careers,” Hammon said.

After Hammon listed the Phoenix Mercury, Los Angeles Sparks, Dallas Wings, Seattle Storm, Dallas Wings, Minnesota Lynx and Chicago Sky as examples of teams that have gotten more competitive, she was asked if the Liberty influenced the Aces’ moves.

The Aces are only looking to get better based on introspection, Hammon answered.

Fargas noted that the Aces improved by adding some built-in connections. Newly signed guard Tiffany Mitchell and Wilson were former college teammates at South Carolina. Loyd has an established history with Wilson, Young and Gray through USA Basketball.

“I think that says a lot about the chemistry that is already going to be in place,” Fargas said. “The first championship and even the second championship, we had the best chemistry.”

Loyd is already feeling the camaraderie.

“Knowing I’m coming to a place where I’m actually friends with a lot of the team already — we talk beyond basketball, and then our families hang out, and there’s an actual connection there — it’s a comfort,” she said.

Contact Callie Fin at cfin@reviewjournal.com. Follow @CallieJLaw on X.