Two former Texas A&M standouts could soon find themselves chasing a WNBA championship together. Chennedy Carter and Janiah Barker will both join the Las Vegas Aces for training camp, giving the defending champions two dynamic, competitive newcomers with the potential to carve out meaningful roles.
Carter, once one of the league’s most explosive scoring guards, and Barker, a versatile forward with shades of A’ja Wilson’s game, bring very different paths to the same opportunity.
Chennedy Carter’s Road Back to the WNBA
Carter dominated during her three seasons in Aggieland, earning three All‑SEC selections and two All‑America honors before being drafted No. 4 overall by the Atlanta Dream. She made an immediate impact, averaging 17.4 points per game as a rookie and becoming the youngest player in WNBA history to score 30 points in a game. She was a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year before an ankle injury sidelined her.
But Carter’s early career was also marked by turbulence. She was suspended by the Dream in 2021, later traded to the Los Angeles Sparks, and eventually benched for conduct issues. After sitting out the 2023 season, she resurfaced with the Chicago Sky and delivered a strong campaign, 17.5 points per game on 48.7% shooting, the best efficiency of her career. Despite the resurgence, Chicago did not extend her, and she spent the last two seasons playing overseas.
Now, Carter says she’s matured, refocused, and ready for a fresh start. The Aces saw enough in her growth and undeniable talent to bring her into camp, giving her a chance to reestablish herself on the league’s premier roster.
Janiah Barker’s Upside Makes Her a Fascinating Fit
Barker arrived at Texas A&M as one of the most heralded recruits in program history and delivered immediately. As a freshman, she earned All‑SEC Freshman Team honors, averaging 12.7 points in limited action due to injury. She followed with a solid sophomore season, 12.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, before seeking a new environment.
Her journey took her to UCLA and then Tennessee, where she closed her college career with a high of 14.3 points per game. Barker’s blend of size, athleticism, and untapped potential made her an intriguing second‑round pick for Las Vegas, a franchise known for developing versatile frontcourt talent.
A Chance to make an Elite Roster Even Better
Both Carter and Barker face steep competition on a championship‑caliber roster, but both also bring traits the Aces value: scoring punch, physicality, and a competitive edge. If they can capitalize on this opportunity, Las Vegas could end up with two Aggies contributing to another title run.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Two former Texas A&M stars set for Las Vegas Aces Training Camp
Reporting by Jarrett Johnson, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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