South Carolina retires jersey number of three-time wnba mvp a’ja wilson

On By Littum

Columbia, SC (AP) -Tre-Gang Wnba MVP A’Ja Wilson’s South Carolina No. 22 Jersey was hung in the barriers Sunday in the Colonial Life Arena, her college home ground, which already has a statue of the program’s constantly leading goal scorer outside the main entrance .

Wilson spent the weekend around Coach Dawn Staley and the current group of Gamecocks players facing Auburn. Wilson talked to the players on exercise on Saturday and had a question-and-response session along with Staley before both sat court that night as South Carolina’s men played No. 13 Texas A&M.

It was an appropriate honor for Wilson, 6-Foot-5 Prep Wonder, which became a three-time southeastern conference player in the year of Staley’s Gamecocks.

Pinnacle came in 2017 when Wilson helped South Carolina to his first national title.

Wilson became South Carolina’s career leader in scoring (2,389 points) and blocks (363).

She also became South Carolina’s first No. 1 WNBA draft election, chosen by Las Vegas Aces. She has won three League -MVPs, including this last season, and a few WNBA championships with Las Vegas.

Wilson was also part of the American Olympic team that won the gold medal in Paris this last summer.

Her journey started only a short drive from South Carolina’s campus.

“The home is where your legacy began,” Staley said in a video that was shown to the crowd before her Jersey ceremony.

“A’ja, we love you!” A fan shouted when Wilson took the microphone.

“Thank you,” she said, laughing.

Wilson thanked his teammates, coaches and fans.

“It’s a privilege to be a gamecock, to be part of this community,” she said.

Wilson strangled as she thanked her parents. “I hope I make you proud,” she said.

A banner with South Carolina, No. 22, and her name is next to the NCAA Championship banner Wilson helped win eight years ago.

She was swarmed by the current Gamecocks players who wore warm-up shirts with Wilson’s number on them when she left the court.

“Thank you everyone for believing in me and for making this moment possible,” Wilson said.

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