Deja Kelly is getting her shot at the WNBA.
The former Oregon Ducks guard signed a training camp contract with the Las Vegas Aces on Friday. After going undrafted in last week’s WNBA Draft, the 5-8 guard from Duncanville, Texas, will compete for a spot on the roster in Las Vegas.
Deja Kelly played four seasons at North Carolina before spending her final year at Oregon, where she helped lead the Ducks to an NCAA tournament win over Vanderbilt, though they were eliminated in the second round by Duke last month.
Known as a midrange specialist and playmaker, Kelly averaged 12.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game for Oregon, increasing her scoring in the postseason with two consecutive 20-point games. She was a first-team All-ACC selection for three straight years at North Carolina before transferring to Oregon.
In addition to her basketball career, Kelly is a high-level NIL earner and is pursuing a career in broadcasting. After playing in Oregon’s season opener last year, she grabbed the mic and worked as a sideline reporter for an Oregon men’s game, among other broadcasting gigs.
“She came here, she was humble, and she worked harder than anybody,” said Oregon coach Kelly Graves after the Ducks’ NCAA tournament loss. “She led. Just an impressive young person. I think she’s going to help any WNBA team. I’ve got several players in that league, and I think she belongs. She’s going to do well for somebody.”
