Former Gamecock Is Named Athlete of the Year by USA Basketball
![Aug 9, 2024; Paris, France; United States forward A'Ja Wilson (9) attempts a layup while Australia forward Alanna Smith (11) goes to block in a women's basketball semifinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images Aug 9, 2024; Paris, France; United States forward A'Ja Wilson (9) attempts a layup while Australia forward Alanna Smith (11) goes to block in a women's basketball semifinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5406,h_3040,x_0,y_1215/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/gamecock_digest/01jjqhfvwhjxkzqypnjg.jpg)
Former South Carolina Gamecock and Las Vegas star A'ja Wilson is named the USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year, the organization announced on Tuesday. This is the third time (2015 and 2022) Wilson has received this recognition.
Wilson helped lead team USA to the second Olympic Gold Medal of her career. In the tournament, Wilson averaged 18.7 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. She shot over 59 percent and led the team with 2.7 blocks and 1.5 steals per game. She led the Americans in points, rebounds, blocks, and steals in the Olympics.
Wilson's time in Columbia was nothing short of spectacular as she was the first Gamecock to be named National Player of the Year, the first four-time All-American in program history and the first three-time SEC Player of the Year in league history.
During her time, the Gamecocks reached their first ever Final Four (2015) and National Championship (2017). She would end up leaving the program with 86 school records. South Carolina will retire Wilson's jersey this Sunday (Feb. 2) against the Auburn Tigers.
Since leaving South Carolina, Wilson became the school's first number one overall pick, being selected to the Las Vegas Aces. She has won two league titles, three MVPs, two Defensive Player of the Year Awards, and was named to five All-WNBA teams.
You Might Also Like:
- First Round Mock Draft Says South Carolina DT, T.J. Sanders Could Go Early in the NFL Draft
- Nick Emmanwori Compared to Derwin James in Latest First Round NFL Mock Draft
- South Carolina Football Overlook: Gamecock's on the Rise Thanks to Beamer Ball
Join the community:
- Follow Fisher Brewer on Twitter: @USCTalk
- Follow Alex Joyce on Twitter: @AlexJoyceSI
- Follow Matthew Peavy on Twitter: @TheMattPeavy
- Follow Isaiah Collins on Twitter: @IsaiahCEC
- Follow Joseph Griffin on Twitter: @JosephGriffinJG
- Follow Luke Brumm on Twitter: @lukebrummcfb
- Follow USCTalk on YouTube for more video-based content: USCTalk YouTube
You can follow us for future coverage by clicking "Follow" on the top right-hand corner of the page. Also, be sure to follow us on X at @GamecocksDigest and on Facebook!