A’ja Wilson began her basketball journey with the South Carolina Gamecocks, where she became a standout player in college. She played a pivotal role in leading the Gamecocks to their first-ever NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship in 2017, solidifying her reputation as one of the nation’s top players. Her performance in the NCAA tournament was so remarkable that she was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament that year.
In 2018, Wilson continued to make history. She won an unprecedented third consecutive SEC Player of the Year award, a testament to her dominance in collegiate basketball. That same year, she guided South Carolina to a record-breaking fourth straight SEC Tournament Championship, further cementing her legacy in the program. Wilson also became the all-time leading scorer in South Carolina women’s basketball history, a title that underscored her scoring ability and consistency.
Her excellence didn’t stop at the SEC level. Wilson was named a consensus first-team All-American for the third year in a row in 2018, an honor that further solidified her place among the best in the game. She also swept every major National Player of the Year award that year, including the Wade, AP, Honda, USBWA, Wooden, and Naismith awards, a rare achievement for any player in college basketball.
In 2018, Wilson’s college career came to a close as she declared for the WNBA Draft. She was selected first overall by the Las Vegas Aces, marking the start of a new chapter in her basketball journey. Her transition to the professional level was highly anticipated, and she quickly became a force in the WNBA.
Wilson’s impact on the court was immediate. In 2020, she earned her first WNBA MVP award, solidifying her status as one of the league’s most dominant players. Her performance that season was exceptional, and her leadership on the floor helped propel the Aces to new heights.
In addition to her success in the WNBA, Wilson also shined on the international stage. In 2020, she won her first Olympic gold medal as part of the U.S. women’s basketball team at the Tokyo Summer Olympics. Her performance on the world stage further added to her growing list of accolades and cemented her place among the best players in the world.
Wilson’s achievements continued to mount as she helped lead the Las Vegas Aces to their first-ever WNBA title in 2022. Her leadership, alongside her stellar play, was instrumental in securing the championship. She was named Finals MVP for her efforts, showcasing her ability to perform at the highest level when it mattered most.
In 2023, Wilson repeated her championship success, helping the Aces claim another WNBA title. Her performance throughout the season was nothing short of outstanding, and her second Finals MVP award in as many years further solidified her legacy as one of the league’s premier players.
On July 7, 2024, Wilson achieved another major milestone in her career. In a game against the Dallas Wings, she became the Aces’ all-time leading scorer in franchise history, a remarkable feat for a player who had only been with the team for a few years. This achievement further emphasized her importance to the team and her lasting impact on the franchise.
Beyond her basketball accomplishments, Wilson has also ventured into the world of literature. She is a New York Times best-selling author, showing that her talents extend beyond the basketball court. Her success as an author speaks to her ability to inspire others and connect with fans on a deeper level.
In addition to her on-court accomplishments, Wilson’s influence on the international stage continued to grow. She won another gold medal in basketball at the 2024 Summer Olympics, further demonstrating her ability to compete and succeed on the world’s biggest stage.
On September 15, 2024, Wilson made WNBA history by becoming the first player to score 1,000 points in a single season. She achieved this milestone with 29 points in a game against the Connecticut Sun, leading the Las Vegas Aces to a 84–71 victory. This achievement highlighted her scoring prowess and solidified her status as one of the most dominant players in the league.
With each year, A’ja Wilson continues to redefine what it means to be a basketball superstar. From her college success at South Carolina to her dominance in the WNBA and international play, she has built a career that will be remembered for generations to come. Her combination of skill, leadership, and determination makes her one of the most influential figures in women’s basketball history.
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