Height under 6 feet? Check. Playing for the Las Vegas Aces under Becky Hammon? Check. Averaging 3.7 assists per game in college? Check. Last one off the court after practice? Double-check. Wait—wasn’t Kelsey Plum just traded to the Los Angeles Sparks in that blockbuster three-way deal back in January 2025? Yup, that happened. So, what’s next for the Aces? Looks like Coach Becky Hammon has found herself a player who might just step into Plum’s shoes.
Enter Harmoni Turner. This rookie guard has the skills, the mindset, and the drive to make a mark on this team. Could she be the Aces’ next backcourt sensation? Well, if Hammon has her way, the answer is a resounding yes.
After being named the 2025 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year, Turner’s talents were hard to ignore. Her performance at Harvard led to her being selected 10th in Round 3 (35th pick) of the 2025 Draft by none other than the coach whose name the award bears, and Hammon is confident Turner will succeed.
As sports broadcaster Taylor Rochta noted, “Aces HC Becky Hammon on rookie guard and @HarvardWBB star Harmoni Turner after Day 1 of training camp: ‘Harmoni’s presence — her vibe, her energy — she’s like a ray of sunshine in any room she walks into. She’s easy to be around, she plays hard…’” Turner’s commitment to her craft is undeniable. She even took a page from her mentor Kelsey Plum’s book, leaving the court last in practice, just like Plum used to.
Aces HC Becky Hammon on rookie guard and @HarvardWBB star Harmoni Turner after Day 1 of training camp:
“Harmoni’s presence — her vibe, her energy — she’s like a ray of sunshine in any room she walks into. She’s easy to be around, she plays hard…”
Turner was the last one off…
— Taylor Rocha (@TaylorRochaTV) April 27, 2025
According to Aces reporter Callie Fin, “Rookie Harmoni Turner was the last player to leave the court at the start of the training camp. Last year, that was almost always Kelsey Plum. Turner was a member of Plum’s Dawg Class this month, which aims to help top guards with the transition between college and pro hoops.” So, yes, looks like Hammon’s new Plum is ready to make an impact.
And as Callie Fin reported, it all kicked off in Under Armour’s Dawg Class, where Turner, the Ivy League’s Player of the Year, joined a squad of relentless players, all fueled by the same ambition. With Plum by her side, ready to pass the torch, Turner is poised to not just fill big shoes but redefine what it means to be an Aces backcourt star.
Plum Leads the Charge: Sparks’ New Era Begins with Her Championship Mentality
And her mentor? Well, she’s not just ready to go to war—she’s already leading the charge. Kelsey Plum, fresh off a championship run in Las Vegas, has made her way to L.A., bringing her fire, leadership, and championship pedigree with her.
While the Lakers are down 3-1 in their playoff series, Plum is setting a different tone for the Sparks, embracing the challenge of turning around a team that finished last in the league. “I was brought here for a reason,” Plum said, making it clear she’s here to flip the script.
Jun 8, 2024; Sonoma, California, USA; Las Vegas Aces point guard Kelsey Plum (10) waves at fans as she was introduced as the Grand Marshall of the NASCAR Xfinity Sonoma 250 at Sonoma Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Whether it’s working with rookies like Sarah Ashlee Barker or showing former first-round pick Cameron Brink the ropes, Plum’s presence is undeniable.
Brink, who was initially intimidated by Plum’s intensity, couldn’t help but admire her commitment. “She’s a machine. Her body is tea. Her body is so strong and she’s probably one of the hardest workers I know…She’s a dog on the court, and she will talk some s**t. She’s going to be so great. I’m really excited,” Brink shared, emphasizing Plum’s work ethic and the fire she brings to every practice.
Sparks’ new head coach, Lynne Roberts, too, can see the value Plum brings beyond her skillset. “It’s going to be a good season. It’s going to be a winning season,” Roberts confidently declared. “And I’m not shying away from that. I want to win, and Kelsey being here gives us a really good chance of that.” Roberts praised Plum’s leadership style, noting that while she’s a fierce competitor and a two-time champion, there’s no arrogance or ego—just an unwavering commitment to winning.
By day one, Plum’s impact is already taking shape, driven by a no-nonsense attitude and the belief that hard work always wins. The Sparks may have a long road ahead, but with Plum at the helm, they’re ready to rise.
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