Aces’ A’ja Wilson remains composed and thankful during her milestone season
Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) reacts after a play against the Indiana Fever during the second half of a WNBA game at T-Mobile Arena on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in Las Vegas.
“She’s gifted, anointed, the chosen one.”
“I don’t know. I’ve kind of run out of adjectives for her.”
Aces coach Becky Hammon often finds herself at a loss for words to describe A’ja Wilson’s incredible performance this season. Despite this, she has consistently referred to Wilson with one phrase since the start of the season: “She’s the best player in the world.”
Wilson, the Aces’ star center, is currently experiencing the peak of her career both on and off the court. She has broken multiple records this season, becoming one of the most dominant and influential figures in women’s basketball today.
In 23 games, Wilson has averaged 27.2 points and 11.9 rebounds, leading the WNBA in scoring and trailing the league leader, Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, by just 0.1 rebounds. In her last five games, she has posted at least 24 points and 12 rebounds, including a career-high 20 rebounds against Seattle and 33 points and 18 rebounds against the Atlanta Dream.
Wilson also became the franchise’s leading scorer on July 7, surpassing San Antonio Silver Stars legend Sophia Young-Malcolm with 4,301 career points. Despite these achievements, Wilson remains focused on her team and the next opponent, rarely celebrating her milestones.
“I’m onto the next thing. I’m appreciative and blessed, but I’m just doing my job,” Wilson said after the game against Atlanta.
“I hope I’m playing the way I need to be for my teammates. I don’t pay it any attention because that’s just the way the game goes.”
While the WNBA takes a month-long hiatus starting July 21, Wilson will remain active as she has been named to Team USA’s 5-on-5 Olympic team for the second time. Representing the United States is an honor she deeply values.
Off the court, Wilson’s accolades continue to accumulate. On Thursday, she won the 2024 ESPY for Best Female Athlete, becoming the first WNBA player to win the award since Breanna Stewart in 2016. Although she couldn’t attend the awards show due to a game in Atlanta, her teammates celebrated the moment with her in her hotel room.
Additionally, Wilson made history as the first WNBA player to be featured on a global cover of NBA 2K25, sharing the spotlight with Boston Celtics forward Jason Tatum and Hall of Famer Vince Carter.
Despite the whirlwind of achievements, Wilson remains unfazed, aware of the positive impact she has on those around her. The love and support she receives keep her grounded.
“My mom asked if I was overwhelmed being named an NBA 2K25 cover athlete. I told her no because I pour into a lot of people, and they pour right back into me,” Wilson said. “I’m never overwhelmed because I know how much love surrounds me.”
“I’m very blessed to play the game that I love.”
