In a recent interview clip that’s made the rounds online via Bleacher Report, A’ja Wilson opened up about her basketball evolution—and how Bam Adebayo played a role. According to Wilson, part of what’s made her better this season is having had “a front-row seat” to Adebayo’s skill and mindset.
“I’m better this year because I had a front-row seat to one of the best in the game. His footwork is such an underrated part of his skill set.”
Wilson also revealed that the two spent time working on her game together—implying a level of training collaboration above and beyond being just peers or romantic partners.
Why footwork matters—and what she’s learning
In Wilson’s view, Adebayo’s footwork is one of the most underappreciated facets of his game. It’s not just the flashy scoring, blocks, or hustle—in her eyes, what sets him apart is how he moves in tight spaces, how he positions himself, and how he balances post and perimeter moves.
That level of detail is what Wilson hopes to borrow and integrate into her own skill set. By observing and training with Adebayo, she’s able to refine her footwork in ways that align with elite-level standards.
Training together: more than inspiration
Wilson emphasized that their work has been hands-on: she’s not just watching him—she’s applying what she picks up. The interview suggests that during downtime or offshoot sessions, they’ve focused on footwork drills, post moves, and positional agility. This kind of behind-the-scenes collaboration adds depth to their relationship both on and off the court.
In a league where physicality, balance, and positioning matter tremendously—especially for bigs—having someone of Adebayo’s caliber helping shape your game is a meaningful advantage.
What this means for Wilson’s 2025 season
Given that Wilson is already among the greatest players in the WNBA, the idea of continuous growth is powerful. By tapping into Adebayo’s insights, particularly in footwork and movement, Wilson may unlock incremental gains that impact late-game positioning, defense, or her ability to operate in tight spaces.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching whether this added focus shows up in the stats—or whether defenders begin to adjust in new ways to counter a more fluid, footwork-informed version of Wilson.
