Former Scarlet Knight takes home MVP at WNBA All-Star Game in Las Vegas

The WNBA All-Star game took place on Saturday, July 27 at 12:30 pm PT, in front of a crowd at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Vegas is known for its glitz and glamour, and the WNBA All-Star Weekend was no exception.  From the walk on the Orange Carpet, to the game that ended with Team Wilson ahead by three points, the fans were entertained.

Vegas is known to talk about the “game within the game” and that usually has to do with the point spread, but today’s All-Star game, had another story within the game.  And at the end of the game, tissues were handed out as many of the players gathered around a former Scarlet-Knight, who was crowned MVP.

Erica Wheeler, WNBA All-Star Game MVP

Former Rutgers women’s basketball guard Erica Wheeler, who plays at guard for the Indiana Fever has gone from being undrafted in 2013, to the WNBA All-Star Game MVP due to her outstanding performance.

Wheeler played for Team (A’ja) Wilson which held the lead most of the day.  The final score saw Team Wilson with a 129-126 advantage over Team (Elena) Delle Donne.  Of the 129 points, Wheeler put up seven 3-pointers, tying a record.

After the game, while speaking to ESPN’s Holly Rowe, Wheeler was filled with tears of joy and spoke about her mother and expressed sentiment and gratitude.  This former Rutgers player has never given up, and says she knows where she belongs.  It was evident by her performance, that Wheeler feels at home on the court.

“Just never give up, man.  Just never give up, no matter what nobody tells you.  Just keep moving.  And I use my mom as my motivation.  I lost her when I was in college to cancer, so I just keep moving because I know she’s watching me more than ever.  So this one right here for you, Mom…I belong.  I don’t need to explain that.  I belong.  And, you know, credit to these ladies.  All weekend, they’ve been just telling me that I belong and showing that respect, so credit to y’all man.  Thank y’all.”

For more on the team rosters, experimental rules, and a look at the festivities, head over to www.wnba.com