South Carolina basketball star A’ja Wilson now has a statue in his honor.
A new sculpture was seen outside the Colonial Life Arena this week, while the sports department unveiled a statue of current WNBAer and former Gamecock star, A’ja Wilson. Wilson had a decorated career in Columbia, taking South Carolina to its first national championship in the program’s history as a junior.
The statue pays homage to one of the greatest athletes out of the university. Wilson was a starter for four years, three-time All-American champion and national champion. She left Columbia as the best player of the year at the conference three times and the all-time top scorer on the show.
News of the statue was released yesterday and social media took notice immediately. Wilson received congratulations from NBA stars LeBron James, Pau Gasol and Ja Morant, NFL linebacker Darius Leonard, ESPN analyst LaChina Robinson and many more.
Now a member of Las Vegas Aces, Wilson helped lead the team to participate in the WNBA finals. Former number one was chosen as the league’s MVP, after averaging more than 20 points per game in the 2020 season. She hit 48% of the best career on the pitch, while leading the team in rebounds.
In three years of action, Wilson posted totals of 19.3 points, 7.7 boards and 1.8 blocks per contest.
The statue was built by Chicago sculptor Julie Rotblatt-Amrany, who designed statues for a handful of superstars, including Michael Jordan.
Wilson was elected one of the 50 most influential sports figures of 2020, ranking 37th.