22 A’ja Wilson pictures showcasing the former South Carolina legend throughout the years
The University of South Carolina loves A’ja Wilson. The former Gamecock big already has a statue on campus. Why not send her jersey into the rafters, too?
Yep. South Carolina is fittingly retiring her number today, February 2―that’s 2/2, for those picking up on the perfect nod to her jersey number. It’s fitting for a player so critical to South Carolina’s fabric.
During her time with the Gamecocks, A’ja broke many records and earned numerous conference and national honors, including the 2018 Naismith Women’s Basketball Player of the Year award. She also helped South Carolina and head coach Dawn Staley secure the program’s first national championship in 2017.
So, in honor of her, let’s look back at A’ja’s career with 22 top-tier photos:
A’ja Wilson: A Legendary Journey Through the Years
A’ja Wilson’s basketball career has been nothing short of iconic. From a high school phenom to a South Carolina legend and now one of the most dominant forces in the WNBA, Wilson has carved a path that cements her as one of the greatest to ever play the game. Through triumphs, challenges, and groundbreaking achievements, her journey has been inspiring for fans and future athletes alike. Here, we take a look at 22 standout moments captured in pictures throughout Wilson’s remarkable career.
1. High School Dominance at Heathwood Hall
Before becoming a household name, Wilson was a star at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in Columbia, South Carolina. She led her team to state championships and was named the National High School Player of the Year. A photo of her dominating the high school courts foreshadowed the greatness to come.
2. McDonald’s All-American Glory (2014)
Wilson’s talent was undeniable as she participated in the McDonald’s All-American Game, a prestigious honor for top high school players. This moment was one of the first signs that she was destined for basketball greatness.
3. Committing to South Carolina
One of the most defining moments of Wilson’s career was her decision to stay home and play for the University of South Carolina. A picture of her holding up a Gamecocks jersey remains an iconic image of her loyalty and commitment to her home state.
4. Freshman Year Impact (2014-2015)
As a freshman, Wilson made an immediate impact, averaging double figures and playing a key role in South Carolina’s deep NCAA tournament run. A picture of her in her first Gamecocks uniform symbolizes the start of an unforgettable college career.
5. SEC Freshman of the Year
Wilson quickly proved herself as one of the best young players in the country, earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors. A picture of her holding the award reflects her early dominance.
6. First Final Four Appearance (2015)
South Carolina reached its first Final Four during Wilson’s freshman season. Though they fell short of a championship, the experience fueled Wilson’s hunger for more.
7. SEC Player of the Year (2016)
Wilson’s sophomore season was even stronger, as she led the Gamecocks in scoring and rebounding. Her first SEC Player of the Year trophy was a sign that she was becoming the best in the conference.
8. National Champion (2017)
The defining moment of Wilson’s college career came in 2017 when she led South Carolina to its first-ever NCAA Championship. A picture of her cutting down the net after the title win is a treasured memory for Gamecock fans.
9. NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player
After dominating throughout the tournament, Wilson was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player. Her emotional celebration after the championship game remains one of the most powerful images of her career.
10. USA Basketball Success
Wilson also made her mark in international play, winning gold medals with USA Basketball in various competitions. A picture of her in a Team USA jersey highlights her dominance on the global stage.
11. Senior Year and Another SEC Title (2018)
Wilson finished her college career in dominant fashion, winning another SEC Championship and securing her place as one of the best players in program history.
12. Winning the John R. Wooden Award
As a senior, Wilson swept major awards, including the John R. Wooden Award for the nation’s best player. A picture of her holding the trophy showcases her well-earned legacy.
13. Draft Night – First Overall Pick (2018)
Wilson was selected first overall by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2018 WNBA Draft. A picture of her in a stylish outfit holding her Aces jersey captures the excitement of her professional debut.
14. WNBA Rookie of the Year (2018)
Wilson wasted no time making an impact in the WNBA, winning Rookie of the Year after averaging 20.7 points per game. A snapshot of her in action during her first season showed that she belonged among the league’s elite.
15. First WNBA All-Star Appearance (2018)
In her rookie season, Wilson was named an All-Star, solidifying her place as one of the game’s rising stars. A picture of her in the All-Star jersey was a glimpse of her future dominance.
16. Becoming a Franchise Leader
By her second season, Wilson had established herself as the face of the Las Vegas Aces, leading the team in scoring and rebounding. A picture of her leading huddles and celebrating victories demonstrated her leadership.
17. 2020 WNBA MVP
In the bubble season of 2020, Wilson had a career-defining year, earning the WNBA MVP award after leading the Aces to the Finals. A photo of her accepting the MVP trophy is a testament to her dominance.
18. Olympic Gold Medalist (2021)
Wilson helped Team USA win gold at the Tokyo Olympics, fulfilling a lifelong dream. A picture of her draped in the American flag, smiling with her gold medal, is one of the highlights of her career.
19. WNBA Champion (2022)
Wilson led the Las Vegas Aces to their first-ever WNBA Championship, cementing her place as a winner at every level. A photo of her celebrating with teammates and the championship trophy is iconic.
20. Defensive Player of the Year (2022, 2023)
Wilson’s defensive dominance earned her back-to-back WNBA Defensive Player of the Year awards, showing her all-around brilliance on the court. A snapshot of her locking down an opponent illustrates her defensive prowess.
21. Back-to-Back WNBA Titles (2023)
Wilson and the Aces repeated as WNBA champions in 2023, further solidifying their dynasty. A picture of her holding up two fingers, signifying the back-to-back titles, tells the story of her greatness.
22. Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond her on-court accomplishments, Wilson has become a role model for young athletes. A picture of her speaking to young girls at a basketball camp showcases her impact beyond the game.
A’ja Wilson’s career has been filled with unforgettable moments, from her South Carolina days to her WNBA dominance. Her journey is far from over, and fans can expect many more historic snapshots in the years to come. Whether it’s through her talent, leadership, or advocacy, Wilson continues to leave a lasting legacy in the sport of basketball.
