Fans love to see veterans mentoring rookies. A’ja Wilson plans on doing just that when the Angel Reese-led generation steps into the next level. The WNBA star opened up about her anticipation for the opportunity to mentor the next generation at a time when the NCAA is witnessing a rise of new stardom.

The 2023-24 NCAA season kicked off in early November this year. And while the season is ongoing, fans still can’t wait to see the young stars of college basketball step on the same court and rub shoulders with the likes of Wilson. 

Ace for a reason  

Wilson recently made an appearance on Showtime Basketball, where she sat down with Matt Barnes & Stephen Jackson and they talked about her journey. During the interview, Barnes asked Wilson how she hoped to motivate the next generation which grew up watching her. 

In her response to this question, Wilson said, “I want to be able to plant those seeds for the next generation, to be that tangible role model. I always like to say that cause a lot of us have role models, a lot of us have people that were like, Oh my god! Yes, love their game, love who they are. But, it’s very rare we can come in contact with them and I want to be sure that I’m in those spaces.”

“Yeah! Like I am in those rooms for them to be like, Oh! No, I want to be A’ja Wilson but I want to be better than her. I want to be in those, sitting at those tables that we don’t really get invited to and that’s what I love and that’s what I really kind of mop my game of just saying okay it might be one of those games, where I’m exhausted but it’s this young black girl that’s out there that wants to see me, wants to be out there and I got to show up for her,” she added. 

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Wilson’s words show how much it means to her to be able to guide a player that has always looked up to her and the kind of role model she wants to be. Notably, Reese who just adores Wilson is having one of the best seasons in the ongoing tournament. 

How has Angel performed so far?

The Bayou Barbie suffered a huge loss in the season opener of the 2023-24 NCAA season, which made her a target of criticism from haters. But being one of the best players in the league she made a comeback and won every match after that.

But in a disheartening change of events, Angel Reese was benched in a game against Kent State and disappeared for four straight games without giving any reason to the media or the fans. Even Kim Mulkey just stated this as a ‘coach’s decision’ without any context. 

But after being out for four games she made a comeback again and is helping the Tigers win back-to-back matches. She is currently averaging 18.3 points, 10 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. 

Watch This Story: Impressing A’ja Wilson With NCAA Fierceness, Angel Reese Opens Up About Impact on WNBA

As soon as the season ends and Reese makes an appearance in the WNBA, all eyes will be on her to see how her story shapes.