“I’m not crying, you are”: Aces marquee pick Dyaisha Fair lets her emotions out as Syracuse releases tribute video 

Rookie Dyaisha Fair was selected 16th overall by the Las Vegas Aces at the 2024 WNBA draft. The addition of Fair gives the defending champions another lockdown defender on their deep roster.

The former Syracuse standout reacted to a tweet from her alma mater about a video of Fair at the recent WNBA draft.

Dyaisha Fair wrote, "I'm not crying you are!!!"

The video features Dyaisha Fair getting ready for draft night. Fair then says she wasn't nervous while doing final touches on her tie and suit before heading to the draft venue. The Rochester, New York, native admitted to having mixed emotions before the event.

"I'm not nervous right now," Dyaisha Fair said. "Yet, but this is crazy. Like, this is just crazy. I think I'll have some more emotions and feelings. Probably some butterflies. I'm taking it all in. Nah, this is crazy!"

Then the next few seconds of the video showed Dyaisha Fair's WNBA draft moment after being drafted by the Las Vegas Aces. The rookie point guard got emotional when she got a video message from Syracuse coach Felisha Legette-Jack after getting drafted.

"Dyaisha Fair! Look where God has brought us. It has been a journey," Legette-Jack said. "Because you have earned every second of this moment. I'm so proud of you! I'm so proud to be called your coach, your mom, your friend, your colleague, and your mentor."

The video ended with the Las Vegas rookie sharing her thoughts about her former mentor's message.

"I feel so blessed," Fair said. "All I can say is thank you to God and to my family, and to everybody that supported me because we did it. Now let's finish the job."

Dyaisha Fair's college basketball career began at the University of Buffalo, where she won numerous awards during her first three seasons. During her junior season at Buffalo, she guided the team to its first NCAA Division I women's tournament trip since 2019.

In her last two seasons with Syracuse, Dyaisha Fair was ranked fifth among NCAA Division I career-scoring leaders, surpassing Brittney Griner. Fair also led Syracuse to her second NCAA Division I tournament appearance.

What can Dyaisha Fair bring to the table for the Las Vegas Aces?

The defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces already have a deep roster. The addition of Dyaisha Fair could bolster the Aces' chances of retaining their title.

Dyaisha Fair's career average is 22.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. She shoots 38.7% from the field. Despite her 5-foot-5 frame, Fair is an excellent scorer, rebounder, playmaker and defender.

Having another scoring point guard like Fair could adapt seamlessly to Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon's system.