Aces Rookie Aisha Sheppard Talks Getting Drafted, NIL Deals, & Playing Under New Head Coach Becky Hammon

The Las Vegas Aces may not be saying it, but it’s definitely championship or bust under new head coach Becky Hammon. The Aces have been really good since relocating to Las Vegas, but they continue to fall short of a championship title.

Under Coach Hammon, this offense will look to stretch the floor and that is exactly what rookie guard Alisha Sheppard can do for Las Vegas. Playing alongside A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Kelsey Plum, Sheppard will be around a phenomenal group of athletes who strive for greatness. She is ready to make the leap to the professionals as evidenced by her ability to improve consistently during her years at Virginia Tech. Sheppard not only broke the record for the most made three-pointers in Hokies history, but she also managed to elevate her game and break her own record.

Here’s what she had to say about getting drafted, playing under Coach Hammon, and who she hopes to play in front of one day.

Where did your love of basketball develop?

My love for basketball developed at a very young age. My brothers both played and I am the youngest so I was always chasing after them wanting to be like them. I feel in love with basketball from the moment the ball was put into my hands. Basketball is the only sport I have ever played, I am so deeply in love with the game that I believe is the best in the world.  

You were selected 23rd overall by the Las Vegas Aces. Describe the feeling of getting drafted.

Imagine yourself eating, thinking, and drinking WNBA all your life after years of house league, AAU, and then to college. Years of basketball that doesn’t even include all the time you put in training outside of games. Through all the downfalls and mountaintops, it was finally time for me to became a WNBA player. There is nothing compared to that feeling. 

What are you most looking forward to in your first year in the WNBA?

I am most looking forward to learning from the legend Coach Becky Hammon first and foremost, and secondly I look forward to learning from my incredible distinguished veterans. God placed me here for a reason and I plan on making the MOST out of every opportunity and lesson. 

Who are you most looking forward to playing against and why?

I am most looking forward to playing the LA Sparks because I am secretly hoping my favorite player of all time LeBron James will come to the game. I have been in love with his game and the way he carries himself since I can remember. I also have never been to Los Angeles so I look forward to seeing it. 

You set the record for most made 3’s at Virginia Tech. How do you think your style of play will fit in with new coach Becky Hammon’s offense?

My style of play fits perfectly within Coach’s offense because she loves threes. Coach [Hammon] was also a small guard herself as a point guard so she understands what it takes to have a storied career that I am working to create for myself. She is such an amazing coach and I have learned so much from her already. 

You didn’t just set the record for made 3’s at Virginia Tech, you broke your previous record. How did that feel?

 One of the best feelings ever because it showed me that I continued to elevate my game year after year because of the way I worked at it. 

You were in college before and after the ruling came down that allowed college athletes to profit off their name, image, and likeness. Do you think this is a way to bring more attention to women’s sports?

I do! I believe that women have such an amazing advantage within the N.I.L. realm because of how much we bring to the table that has nothing to do with our sport. We are human first and we all have stories that represent some of the companies and brands better than they could ever imagine. 

What is your best advice to young women who want to become professional athletes?

The best advice I could offer is that as a young athlete aspiring to play professionally at some point, never get comfortable! Every day someone is evaluating you on and off the floor. You have to compete, and your want to has to outlast your fatigue. Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.