Three-Time WNBA MVP Reacts to Big News on Monday

A’ja Wilson’s College Legacy Earns Hall of Fame Spot

Wilson’s career at South Carolina from 2014 to 2018 left an indelible mark on the program. Playing under legendary coach Dawn Staley, Wilson led the Gamecocks to their first NCAA national championship in 2017. She was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, solidifying her place as one of the greatest players in women’s college basketball history.

Wilson was a three-time SEC Player of the Year (2016–2018), the program’s first four-time All-American and twice named SEC Tournament MVP. She holds school records for points (2,389), blocks (363), and blocks per game (2.6), and ranks fourth in rebounds (1,195).

Her dominance on the court inspired the university to honor her in monumental ways: in 2021, a bronze statue of Wilson was unveiled outside Colonial Life Arena, and in 2024, her jersey was officially retired.

Wilson’s Gamecock Greatness to WNBA Stardom

Following her collegiate success, Wilson was selected No. 1 overall by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2018 WNBA Draft. She immediately made an impact, winning Rookie of the Year.

Since then, she has become one of the WNBA’s most decorated players. Wilson has captured three league MVP awards, two Defensive Player of the Year honors and led the Aces to back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023. 

She has been named to seven All-Star Games and in 2024 became the first player in WNBA history to score 1,000 points in a season while also setting the single-season rebounding record.

Her dominance continued this year. Wilson is averaging 21.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 2.3 blocks per game. She also recently became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 5,000 career points.

Wilson received the news a day after helping the Aces dismantle the Golden State Valkyries 101–77. She recorded a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds in just 29 minutes, along with two assists, a block and four steals. The victory improved the Aces’ record to 15–14 as they gear up for a rematch against the Valkyries on Wednesday.

Her on-court focus now turns to leading the Aces deeper into the playoff race, but Monday’s Hall of Fame announcement was a reminder of her remarkable journey.