Dawn Staley Applauds WNBA Stars, Pushes for A’ja Wilson’s MVP — and Admits She Would’ve Taken Knicks Job
As the WNBA regular season nears its conclusion, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley took a moment to celebrate the league, its players, and especially one former Gamecock who continues to dominate on the professional stage.
On Monday, Staley shared her thoughts in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), offering praise for the talent across the WNBA while also backing her former player, A’ja Wilson, in the race for this year’s MVP award.
“As we wind down the WNBA season, just would like to thank all the talented women who gave us a season of all seasons. If there’s truly no funny stuff in the air A’ja Wilson really is the MVP. I’m biased but the historical numbers and run their on aren’t,” Staley wrote.
A’ja Wilson’s MVP Case
Wilson, who has already collected three MVP awards in her career, is once again at the center of the conversation. Despite a slow start to the 2025 campaign, the Las Vegas Aces superstar has been nothing short of dominant in the second half of the season. She is averaging 23.8 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game on 50.5% shooting, proving once again why she’s one of the most complete players in the league.
Last year, Wilson was the overwhelming favorite for the award, leading in nearly every major statistical category. This season, the competition is tighter. Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier has emerged as her biggest challenger, averaging 23.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting 52.6% from the floor.
Even so, Staley made it clear where her allegiance lies: firmly with Wilson. “I’m biased,” she admitted, “but the historical numbers and run their on aren’t.”
The WNBA regular season officially ends on September 11, with awards to be announced shortly after.
Staley and the Knicks Rumors
While Wilson is making headlines on the court, Staley herself was in the spotlight off it, linked to one of the biggest jobs in men’s basketball.
The New York Knicks stunned fans earlier this summer when they dismissed head coach Tom Thibodeau, fresh off an appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals. With the vacancy open, reports quickly surfaced that Staley had caught the attention of Knicks executives. According to The Athletic, she was seriously considered before the team ultimately hired Mike Brown.
On August 27, Staley joined former WNBA star Candace Parker and Gamecock alumna Aliyah Boston on their Post Moves podcast. There, she addressed the rumors head-on — and confirmed she would not have hesitated to accept the offer.
“If the Knicks would have offered me the job, I would have had to do it. Not just for me, it’s for women. Just to break open,” Staley said. “I would have had to. It’s the New York Knicks and I’m from Philly. But it’s the freaking New York Knicks.”
Staying Grounded at South Carolina
Despite the what-ifs, Staley remains firmly committed to her role at South Carolina, where she has built one of the most dominant programs in college basketball. Since arriving in 2008, she has led the Gamecocks to three national championships and turned the program into a perennial powerhouse.
With another title run in her sights and a roster stacked with talent, Staley’s focus is back where it’s been for nearly two decades: winning more championships in Columbia.
Still, her reflections this week highlighted her dual impact on the sport — as a coach who fiercely supports her players at the professional level, and as a trailblazer whose name will always be in conversations far bigger than basketball.
