WATCH: A’ja Wilson, Jonquel Jones discuss their season debuts

UNCASVILLE, CT — 2018 is the Las Vegas Aces’ inaugural year, so this game against the Connecticut Sun will be a statement one.

The Aces begin with a clean slate: a new city, new coach, many new players and a new #1 draft pick.  With a new reputation on the line, the first-year team must set out to snap the nine-game losing streak (referencing the years of the San Antonio Stars) against Connecticut.

A’ja Wilson finished her career at the University of South Carolina in flamboyant fashion, being the most decorated women’s basketball player to pass through the program.  If her preseason performance is any indication of how she’ll play all year, the league will be a seamless transition for the Rookie.  Wilson averaged 14.5 ppg, paired with 9.5 rpg. Here’s Wilson, just before her pro debut:

It is to be noted that leading scorer Kayla McBride and 2017 WNBA Draft first pick Kelsey Plum are still overseas.  McBride averaged 17.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 2.0 apg.

The Sun’s Jonquel Jones missed much of preseason, but has arrived right on time.  The 2017 breakout all-star set a league record of 403 rebounds and averaged a double-double (15.4 ppg, 11.9 rpg).

We caught up with Jones just prior to the game:

She joins fellow all-star teammates, Jasmine Thomas and Alyssa Thomas for Sunday afternoon’s game.  In addition to these star-studded starters, Chiney Ogwumike returns to the court and will play for the Sun today after missing the 2017 due to an Achilles injury.

The Sun/Aces game will tip at 1pm ET at the Mohegan Sun Arena.  The  game will be streamed on twitter.