South Carolina Women’s Basketball Continues to Dominate the WNBA at an Elite Level
The University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball program has solidified its reputation as a powerhouse for producing top-tier WNBA talent. The Gamecocks are among only a select few collegiate programs with double-digit players currently competing in the league. This elite status was further highlighted on Wednesday when ESPN unveiled its annual WNBA Preseason Top 25 Rankings, featuring three standout USC alumni. The rankings were compiled by Michael Voepel, Kendra Andrews, Alex Philippou, and Kevin Pelton.
A’ja Wilson Reigns Supreme at No. 1
Topping the list, unsurprisingly, is Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson. The former Gamecock delivered one of the most dominant seasons in WNBA history in 2024, setting career highs in points, rebounds, blocks, and steals while earning WNBA All-Defense honors. Wilson also shattered the league’s single-season scoring record, further cementing her legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats. Now, she and the Aces are poised to chase their third championship in four years, continuing their dynasty in the league.
Aliyah Boston Holds Steady at No. 21
Next on the list is Indiana Fever center Aliyah Boston, who has quickly established herself as one of the WNBA’s most reliable two-way players. The 6’5″ post player has been named an All-Star in both of her professional seasons, showcasing her versatility on offense, defense, and the boards. This season, she teams up with rookie phenom Caitlin Clark to lead one of the most exciting young rosters in the Eastern Conference.
Allisha Gray Rounds Out the Trio at No. 23
Just two spots behind Boston, Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray secured the No. 23 ranking. A two-time WNBA All-Star, Gray is known for her scoring prowess and elite three-point shooting when given space. However, her efficiency fluctuated under former Dream head coach Tanisha Wright, whose system led to the league’s worst offense and second-worst shooting percentages in 2024. With new head coach Karl Smesko—renowned for maximizing shooters—taking the helm, Gray is poised for a bounce-back season.
WNBA Season Tips Off Soon
The WNBA preseason is currently underway, with the regular season set to begin on May 16th and 17th. Here’s when you can catch the Gamecocks in action:
- Allisha Gray and the Atlanta Dream (alongside fellow USC alum Te-Hina Paopao) open their season on Friday, May 16th, at 3:00 p.m. ET against the Washington Mystics (broadcast on Ion).
- A’ja Wilson’s Las Vegas Aces debut on Saturday, May 17th, at 1:00 p.m. ET versus the New York Liberty.
- Aliyah Boston’s Indiana Fever face off against the Chicago Sky (featuring former Gamecock Kamilla Cardoso) later that day at 3:00 p.m. ET.
Both of Saturday’s matchups will air back-to-back on ABC and stream live on the ESPN app.
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