A’ja Wilson has been having the time of her life, especially for a couple of years now. The South Carolina alum boasts several honors to her name, many earned in 2023. It is no secret that the year was good to her, but so was 2024. If putting up MVP-esque numbers for her team was not enough, 2K Games announced that she would appear on the NBA 2K25 cover, giving her a status that no WNBA star shares yet. But the 28-year-old did not mind giving a piece of it to her longtime friend from the Boston Celtics.

As per the July announcement, the Las Vegas Aces superstar will be on the cover of the WNBA Edition of the NBA2k25. A huge honor for any player, let alone A’ja Wilson. The back-to-back world champion has been open about her struggles, including her battle with dyslexia. Despite this, she has managed to work to the top of the WNBA scene. Another player who has managed to achieve something similar is defending NBA champ–Jayson Tatum.

Interestingly, the Celtics star will also be featured on the NBA Edition of the game. It is certainly a full-circle moment for the friends, who have been in touch since they were kids. “We were at USA camp together, and we were all just kicking it. It’s super cool, it really is. Being on the cover alongside JT, someone that I literally grew up with, and to see our careers flourish the way that they are now — it’s something special,” Wilson told SB Nation reflecting on the journey that the two athletes have paved the path for.

The basketball community was familiar with Wilson and Tatum’s bond. But it was not a well-known fact that they grew up together. The Columbia native’s recent comments shed light on their friendship. One that has remained rock-solid since even before they were the superstars that they are currently. And now, it is turning into familial bonds as well.

A’ja Wilson and Deuce Tatum’s wholesome connection

Not only Jayson Tatum, but Wilson has an admirable relationship with his son, Deuce, as well. She also spoke about the 7-year-old after highlighting her friendship with his dad. “Love his little son, Deuce. It’s just been so cool to watch his career just blossom the way it has. JT is a good kid, he’s a good kid. Always a good friend to me,” she said.

Previously, Wilson has responded to Deuce’s adorable wish on Instagram as well. The youngster congratulated both his dad and his longtime friend for their NBA 2K25 honor, to which Wilson responded with a white heart emoticon. He even mentioned the WNBA star as ‘Auntie A’ja’ which speaks at length about their special connection.

In addition to that, both Deuce and Wilson also have their own handshake. It was brought to light at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where both the men’s and women’s national team tasted massive success. As for their friendship, it is just another example of what life could offer with the right circle of friends.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.