Throwback Thursday: A’ja Wilson — The Unstoppable Gamecock Who Redefined Greatness in Columbia
There are legends, and then there’s A’ja Wilson — the Hopkins, South Carolina native who forever changed the course of Gamecock basketball and built a legacy that continues to shine at every level of the sport.
From the moment she stepped onto the court at the University of South Carolina in 2014, Wilson was destined for greatness. Under head coach Dawn Staley, she helped turn South Carolina into a national powerhouse, delivering the program’s first-ever NCAA National Championship in 2017. That historic title run cemented her status not just as a star, but as the face of a new era in women’s basketball.
During her four years in Columbia (2014–2018), Wilson was nothing short of dominant. She was a four-time All-American, a four-time First Team All-SEC selection, and a three-time SEC Player of the Year. Her impact on both ends of the court was unmatched, earning her two SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors and two SEC Tournament MVPs.
Her senior season was her crowning moment — Wilson averaged 22.6 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game, leading South Carolina to yet another Final Four appearance. That same year, she swept nearly every major award in college basketball, including the AP Player of the Year, Naismith Award, Wooden Award, and Lisa Leslie Award.
By the time she hung up her Gamecock jersey, Wilson had rewritten the record books:
- #1 all-time in points scored
- #1 all-time in blocks
- #3 all-time in rebounds
She was also named NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player in 2017 after guiding the Gamecocks through an unforgettable championship run.
Before dominating in college, Wilson was already a household name in high school hoops. At Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, she was the #1 ranked recruit in the nation, a McDonald’s All-American, and the South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year. Her senior season numbers were jaw-dropping — 34.4 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 5.0 blocks per game, leading her team to a state championship in 2014.
The success didn’t stop there. Wilson was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft, selected by the Las Vegas Aces — and she wasted no time making her mark at the professional level. Now a four-time WNBA MVP, seven-time All-Star, three-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, and two-time WNBA Champion, Wilson continues to inspire generations of athletes with her relentless work ethic and leadership.
In 2024, her legacy came full circle when South Carolina retired her iconic #22 jersey, immortalizing her as one of the greatest athletes in school history.
A’ja Wilson isn’t just a legend — she’s the standard. From Columbia to Las Vegas, from high school gyms to the WNBA Finals stage, she’s proven time and again that greatness isn’t given — it’s earned.
💯 South Carolina Legend. Forever #22.
