A’ja Wilson is an American professional basketball player who currently plays center for the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA. Recognized for her dominance on both ends of the floor, leadership, and versatility, she is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in WNBA history.
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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Position: Center/Power Forward
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High School: Heathwood Hall Episcopal School
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Standout basketball and volleyball player
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Developed a reputation for versatility and leadership
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College Career: South Carolina Gamecocks (2014–2018)
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Four-year standout for the South Carolina Gamecocks
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Career Stats:
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All-time leading scorer in South Carolina women’s basketball history
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Led Gamecocks to first NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship (2017)
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NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (2017)
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Accolades:
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Three-time SEC Player of the Year
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Led South Carolina to four straight SEC Tournament Championships
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Consensus first-team All-American (three times)
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Swept all National Player of the Year awards (Wade, AP, Honda, USBWA, Wooden, Naismith) in 2018
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Professional Career
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Drafted: 1st overall, 2018 WNBA Draft by Las Vegas Aces
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Teams: Las Vegas Aces (2018–present)
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WNBA Stats & Highlights:
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Three-time WNBA MVP (2020, 2022, 2024)
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Two-time WNBA champion (2022, 2023)
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2023 WNBA Finals MVP
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Six-time WNBA All-Star (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
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Three-time first-team All-WNBA (2020, 2022, 2023)
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Two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (2022, 2023)
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2018 WNBA Rookie of the Year
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2018 first-team All-Rookie
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Three-time WNBA blocks leader (2020, 2022, 2023)
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2024 WNBA single-season scoring record (first to eclipse 1,000 points in a season)
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2024 WNBA single-season rebound record
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Career-high 53 points (tied WNBA single-game record)
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Became Aces’ all-time leading scorer in 2024
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Career averages (through 2024): 21.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.9 blocks per game
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International:
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Two-time Olympic gold medalist (2020, 2024)
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Two-time FIBA World Cup gold medalist (2018, 2022)
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Endorsements & Recognition:
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Nike signature shoe (“A’One”)
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Featured on NBA 2K25 global cover (first WNBA player)
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Named to Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People (2024)
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Time magazine’s Women of the Year (2025)
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Achievements & Honors
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Three-time WNBA MVP (2020, 2022, 2024)
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Two-time WNBA champion (2022, 2023)
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2023 WNBA Finals MVP
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Six-time WNBA All-Star
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Three-time first-team All-WNBA
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Two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year
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Three-time WNBA blocks leader
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2018 WNBA Rookie of the Year
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WNBA single-season scoring and rebound records (2024)
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Tied WNBA single-game scoring record (53 points)
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Two-time Olympic gold medalist
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Two-time FIBA World Cup gold medalist
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Nike signature shoe
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Featured on NBA 2K25 global cover
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Named to Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People (2024) and Women of the Year (2025)
Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Elite scorer and rebounder
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Versatile defender and shot-blocker
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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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Physical, athletic center 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?
Center/Power 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, 2023 WNBA Finals MVP, six-time All-Star, two-time Olympic gold medalist, two-time FIBA World Cup gold medalist, WNBA single-season scoring and rebound records, tied WNBA single-game scoring record, Nike signature shoe, featured on NBA 2K25 global cover
What is her playing style?
Dominant, versatile center with elite scoring, rebounding, and defense
Conclusion
A’ja Wilson is a generational talent and one of the most decorated players in WNBA history. Her scoring, rebounding, defensive presence, and leadership have made her the cornerstone of the Las Vegas Aces and a global ambassador for women’s basketball.
(Age, statistics, and honors are as of June 2025.)
