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Copyright: ALLEN L SHARPE 2018

Statue Honoring Gamecock Basketball Star A’ja Wilson Erected in Columbia

On Monday January 18, 2021, a statue of Gamecock women’s basketball star A’ja Wilson was unveiled outside of the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina.

A’ja Wilson, who grew up in Hopkins, South Carolina, had an outstanding career at the University of South Carolina, leading the Gamecocks to their first ever Final Four in 2015 and eventually clenching a NCAA title in 2017.

Wilson has gone on to play in the WNBA after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft by the Las Vegas Aces.

The significance of the date the statue was unveiled cannot go unnoticed. The unveiling took place on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a date that Wilson herself felt was symbolic for many reasons.

“This is the day we recognize the great Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King [Jr.],” Wilson said. “My grandmother couldn’t even walk on this campus; she had to walk around [it]. If she was here today to see her granddaughter has a statue where she once could not walk … it goes to show how you just plant seeds, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Photo Copyright: ALLEN L SHARPE 2018

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Former Gamecock Named WNBA Player of the Year

A’ja Wilson can now add WNBA player of the year to her resume. Wilson, a former star of the women’s basketball team at the University of South Carolina, has officially been named The Associated Press WNBA Player of the year for the 2019-2020 season.

The 24-year-old first rose to fame during her career as a forward for the gamecocks, where she led the team to their first NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship in 2017. In addition, she was also named SEC Player of the Year for a record three straight years. The 6-foot-four powerhouse ended her collegiate career as the most decorated athlete of any sport at the University of South Carolina.

It’s no surprise that Wilson was then selected as the first overall draft pick by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2018 WNBA draft, where she is currently averaging 20.5. points and 8.5 rebounds per game. 

Bill Laimbeer, current coach of the Las Vegas Aces, raved over Wilson’s ability to effectively lead the team to their 18-4 record saying, “She knows who she is, she knows where she’s going. She knows that she’s in charge, and she’s responsible for our team. She has taken this upon her shoulders.”

It’s safe to say A’ja Wilson is making her home state very proud.

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