A’ja Wilson is an American professional basketball player who currently plays forward for the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA. Recognized as one of the greatest players in league history, Wilson is a three-time WNBA MVP, two-time champion, and multiple-time Olympic and World Cup gold medalist.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: A’ja Riyadh Wilson
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Date of Birth: August 8, 1996
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Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina
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Height: 6’4″ (1.93 m)
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Weight: 194 lbs (88 kg)
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Position: Forward
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Family:
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Daughter of Roscoe and Eva Wilson
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Comes from a family with deep ties to basketball and education
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College Career
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University of South Carolina (2014–2018):
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Led the Gamecocks to their first NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship (2017)
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NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (2017)
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Three-time SEC Player of the Year
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Four-time SEC Tournament champion
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All-time leading scorer in South Carolina women’s basketball history
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Consensus first-team All-American (three times)
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Swept all major National Player of the Year awards (Wade Trophy, AP Player of the Year, Honda Sports Award, USBWA, Wooden Award, Naismith Trophy) as a senior
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Professional Career
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WNBA Draft: 1st round, 1st overall, 2018 WNBA Draft by Las Vegas Aces
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Teams:
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Las Vegas Aces (2018–present)
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WNBA Stats (through 2024):
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Career averages: ~21 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 steal per game
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Best season: 2024—averaged 27 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 1.6 steals per game
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Career highs:
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Points: 39
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Rebounds: 18
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Blocks: 6
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Steals: 4
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WNBA champion: 2022, 2023
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WNBA Finals MVP: 2023
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Three-time WNBA MVP: 2020, 2022, 2024
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Two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year: 2022, 2023
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WNBA Rookie of the Year: 2018
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WNBA All-Star: Every eligible season
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All-WNBA Team selections: Multiple
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Set WNBA single-season scoring record: First player to score 1,000+ points in a season (2024)
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Aces’ all-time leading scorer
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Overseas/Other:
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Focuses on WNBA and national team commitments
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International and National Team Career
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USA Basketball:
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Olympic gold medalist (2020 Tokyo, 2024 Paris)
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FIBA World Cup gold medalist (2018, 2022)
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Consistently ranked among the top players in international competition
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Achievements & Honors
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Las Vegas Aces (WNBA, 2018–present)
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WNBA champion (2022, 2023)
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Three-time WNBA MVP (2020, 2022, 2024)
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WNBA Finals MVP (2023)
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Two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (2022, 2023)
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WNBA Rookie of the Year (2018)
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WNBA All-Star: Every eligible season
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All-WNBA Team selections: Multiple
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WNBA single-season scoring record (1,000+ points, 2024)
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Aces’ all-time leading scorer
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NCAA champion (2017)
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NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (2017)
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Three-time SEC Player of the Year
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Four-time SEC Tournament champion
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South Carolina all-time leading scorer
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Consensus first-team All-American (three times)
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Swept all major National Player of the Year awards as a senior
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Olympic gold medalist (2020, 2024)
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FIBA World Cup gold medalist (2018, 2022)
Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Elite scoring and rebounding
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Exceptional shot-blocking and defensive versatility
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High basketball IQ and leadership
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Clutch performer in big games
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Style:
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Aggressive, dynamic forward who excels in transition and half-court offense
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Brings toughness, championship experience, and a team-first mentality
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FAQs About A’ja Wilson
What position does A’ja Wilson play?
Forward
Which team does she play for?
Las Vegas Aces (WNBA)
How old is A’ja Wilson?
28 (born August 8, 1996)
What are her main achievements?
Three-time WNBA MVP, two-time WNBA champion, WNBA Finals MVP, two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, WNBA Rookie of the Year, NCAA champion, Olympic gold medalist, FIBA World Cup gold medalist, WNBA single-season scoring record
What is her playing style?
Versatile, aggressive forward with elite scoring and defense
Conclusion
A’ja Wilson is a dominant and accomplished forward whose scoring, rebounding, and championship pedigree have made her one of the most respected and influential figures in women’s basketball.
