A’ja Wilson says the statue’s inauguration in South Carolina on MLK day shows “how you just plant seeds” to change

The significance of the date made the dedication of his statue at the Colonia Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina, even more significant for A’ja Wilson, a former Gamecock women’s basketball player.

“This is the day we recognize the great Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King,” said Wilson in a call from Zoom on Monday. “My grandmother couldn’t even walk on this campus, she had to walk around [it]. If she was here today to see that her granddaughter has a statue where she couldn’t walk … it shows how you just plant seeds, and that’s what it is about. “

Wilson, 24, grew up in Hopkins, South Carolina, just outside Columbia, and the city’s star helped bring Gamecocks to their first NCAA title in 2017 and the first Women’s Final Four in 2015.

In her 2014-18 career, she was an All-American three times on the main team, a player of the year three times at the SEC and the No. 1 choice for the WNBA draft in 2018, when she was the league debutant of the year . Last season, Wilson was the WNBA MVP for Las Vegas Ases.

The 2020 WNBA season, played in a bubble in Bradenton, Fla., Focused on social justice. This is very important for Wilson, who hopes that his statue will inspire everyone, but especially young people.

“Change doesn’t happen overnight,” said Wilson. “But black girls can look at that statue and say, ‘Wow.’ I will always be myself, without remorse, and I hope that these young black women see the models that are here in front of them. Because I still admire many. “