A'ja Wilson's jersey and No. 22 retired by South Carolina in pregame ceremony
Wilson is the Gamecocks' all-time leading scorer and won a national title
A'ja Wilson had a remarkable career at South Carolina as a four-time All-American, three-time SEC Player of the Year and with numerous individual honors, including the Naismith College Player of the Year, the Wooden Award and AP Player of the Year. She led the Gamecocks to the 2017 national championship and was named Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA tournament.
South Carolina recognized Wilson's accomplishments and place in program history by retiring her jersey and raising her No. 22 to the rafters before Sunday's game versus Auburn.
A’lways and forever pic.twitter.com/QtRtAvguI4
— South Carolina Women's Basketball (@GamecockWBB) February 2, 2025
A South Carolina legend 💐
From bringing the @GamecockWBB program its first ever National Championship, to the countless achievements on the highest levels, A’ja Wilson’s #22 is now in the rafters at Colonial Life Arena pic.twitter.com/RmAtL8XN2h— WNBA (@WNBA) February 2, 2025
Wilson — a native of Columbia, South Carolina — finished her four-year career as the Gamecocks' all-time leading scorer with 2,389 points. She also ranks first with 893 field goals made and 363 blocks, and fourth with 1,195 rebounds.
Accompanied on the court at Colonial Life Arena by her parents and head coach Dawn Staley, Wilson professed her love for the South Carolina program and gratitude to her coach.
Not a dry eye in the building @_ajawilson22 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/VEhY9XBRW8
— South Carolina Women's Basketball (@GamecockWBB) February 2, 2025
"It’s a privilege to be a Gamecocks, to be a part of this community,” Wilson said to the crowd. "One of the greatest honors of my life was representing the garnet and black every night."
“As I look up at the rafters and see my jersey, I’m reminded how important it is to chase your dreams without fear. And the person who taught me that, and is still teaching me, is Dawn Staley.”
"Thank you, coach, for seeing the light in me even when I couldn't see it in myself," she added, "and for showing me that it's not about the destination but the journey and people you meet along the way."
There's truly is no place like home...✨ @_ajawilson22 pic.twitter.com/xYLKpwyimN
— South Carolina Women's Basketball (@GamecockWBB) February 2, 2025
Wilson is the fifth player in program history to have her jersey retired. Previously, South Carolina had only retired jerseys, not numbers. But if anyone deserved being an exception to that policy, it's Wilson.
Following her four years in Columbia, Wilson has continued her success in the WNBA. Selected No. 1 overall in the league's 2018 draft by the Las Vegas Aces, she has won three WNBA championships and three MVP awards, and is a six-time All-Star.
No. 2 South Carolina went on to defeat Auburn on Sunday, 83-66, winning its 56th consecutive SEC game and 70th straight game at home. Joyce Edwards led the Gamecocks with 18 points, followed by MiLaysia Fulwiley with 17.
