In a surprising turn of events, former Oregon and UNC standout Deja Kelly has found her professional basketball opportunity with the reigning WNBA champions.
The Las Vegas Aces announced on April 18 that they have signed the three-time first-team All-ACC guard to a training camp contract. This gives Kelly a chance to prove herself at the highest level despite going undrafted in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
“It’s ALWAYS God’s timing! He was just preparing me for something greater!” Kelly expressed on social media following the announcement. The 5’8″ guard will now have the opportunity to compete for a roster spot with one of the league’s most dominant teams, beginning with offseason workouts that start on April 27.
Training Camp: A Chance To Shine for Deja Kelly
The Aces’ training camp presents Kelly with a pivotal opportunity to showcase her skills against established WNBA talent. Beginning April 27, she’ll participate in offseason workouts competing for one of the limited roster spots on the championship team, a challenging but potentially career-defining opportunity for the undrafted rookie.
It’s ALWAYS God’s timing!
He was just preparing me for something greater! 🙏🏽Vegas what’s goodddd?!?! 😏🎰 https://t.co/gbNVm2uHVB
— Deja Kelly (@dejakelly25) April 18, 2025
Kelly brings impressive credentials to camp, including international experience with Team USA at the 2023 FIBA AmeriCup, where she won a silver medal. Known for her scoring ability, ball handling skills, and defensive prowess, Kelly possesses the basketball IQ and work ethic needed to make an impression on the Aces’ coaching staff.
Kelly’s collegiate resume speaks volumes about her capabilities on the court. During her four years at North Carolina, she established herself as one of the program’s all-time greats, finishing eighth on UNC’s scoring list with 1,858 points and earning three consecutive first-team All-ACC selections.
For her final collegiate season, Kelly transferred to Oregon, where she averaged 12.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Her versatility helped lead the Ducks to a 20-12 record and a second-round appearance in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
“Vegas what’s gooodddd?!?!” Kelly enthusiastically posted, clearly embracing this new chapter in her basketball journey.
KEEP READING: Deja Kelly Signs Training Camp Contract With Las Vegas Aces: A New Beginning After WNBA Draft Snub
The training camp contract with Las Vegas offers more than just a shot at making the WNBA roster. It also reunites Kelly with assistant coach John Lucas III, who previously worked with her as a skills trainer.
This existing relationship could prove valuable as Kelly navigates the competitive environment of a professional training camp. While the Aces’ roster is stacked with talent, her determination and collegiate experience give her the foundation needed to potentially carve out a role with the championship-caliber team.
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