South Carolina retires jersey number of three-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson

Audio By Carbonatix

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Three-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson's South Carolina No. 22 jersey was hung in the rafters Sunday at Colonial Life Arena, her college home court that already features a statue of the program’s all-time leading scorer outside the main entrance.

Wilson spent the weekend around coach Dawn Staley and the current group of Gamecocks players, who beat Auburn 83-66. Wilson spoke to the players at practice Saturday and had a question-and-answer session alongside Staley before both sat courtside that night as South Carolina’s men played No. 13 Texas A&M.

It was a fitting honor for Wilson, the 6-foot-5 prep wonder who became a three-time Southeastern Conference player of the year for Staley’s Gamecocks.

The pinnacle came in 2017 when Wilson helped South Carolina to its 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 pick, chosen by the Las Vegas Aces. She has won three league MVPs, including this past season, and a pair of WNBA championships with Las Vegas.

Wilson also was part of the U.S. Olympic team that won the gold medal in Paris this past summer.

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

“Home is where your legacy began,” Staley said in a video shown to the crowd before her jersey ceremony.

“A’ja, we love you!” a fan yelled as Wilson took the mic.

“Thank you,” she said, laughing.

Wilson thanked her teammates, coaches and fans.

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

Wilson choked up when thanking her parents. “I hope I make you proud,” she said.

A banner with South Carolina, No. 22 and her name is located 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, as she left the court.

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

___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball