“She allowed me to be a young woman. Allowed me to grow and have a full experience of being in a college. Now it has built me into the woman I am today,”A’ja Wilson said earlier this year, referring to the close bond she shares with her former head coach, Dawn Staley. Recently, Wilson received a surprise call from Staley, who honored her with a heartfelt gesture demonstrating her continued support and belief in her. Now, just days later, Wilson found a way to reciprocate, even setting aside time with her rumored boyfriend, NBA player Bam Adebayo.

During her off-season downtime, the 3x MVP decided to attend an NBA game between the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets. But it wasn’t just the matchup that had everyone talking—it was Wilson’s choice of outfit. She showed up wearing a piece of WNBA history: Dawn Staley’s iconic jersey from her days with the now-defunct Charlotte Sting. A tweet from an NBA reporter spotted Wilson in the teal-colored No. 5 jersey.

“WNBA star @_AjaWilson22 pulled up to the Charlotte / Miami game in a Dawn Staley Sting jersey,” the tweet read. Staley had an impressive six-year run with the Sting from 1999 to 2005, even leading the team to the championship game in her debut season. Later, from 2014 to 2018, Staley took on a new role as head coach at South Carolina, where she mentored A’ja Wilson. During that time, the two formed a close and lasting bond that’s still evident today.

What’s interesting is that Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson had the option to cheer for the Miami Heat, the team where her rumored boyfriend, Bam Adebayo, plays. Yet, she chose to honor her former coach, Dawn Staley, instead, showcasing the deep respect she holds for her. This gesture is likely Wilson’s way of returning the favor after Staley recently honored her, making the moment all the more meaningful.

Dawn Staley gives A’ja Wilson the surprising news

“To the best basketball player in the world, to the best of all the list of best sellers, thank you for giving us black excellence, A’ja Wilson style. Congrats A!”  The South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley has always shown admiration for Wilson, a testament to their strong, mutual bond. Recently, Staley took her appreciation a step further, surprising Wilson with a call that left the reigning MVP speechless—especially since it came so soon after her season wrapped up.

Dawn Staley video called her pupil starter by celebrating A’ja Wilson’s impressive season and especially her MVP win. Staley playfully noted, “In South Carolina, you always get No. 1 votes,” before inviting Wilson to meet her in South Carolina. Then came the big reveal: “Your jersey is going to be retired.” Wilson, beaming, laughed off the emotional moment, saying, “Everyone wants me to cry today—no way!”

Staley wrapped up the call by asking Wilson to take in the big news while the Gamecocks team cheered in the background. Wilson, who played for South Carolina from 2014 to 2018, grew from a bench player in her freshman year to an irreplaceable star under Staley’s guidance. In the 2016-17 season, she led the team to a national title, averaging 17.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, showcasing the talent that made her a Gamecock legend.

By honoring Dawn Staley through wearing her jersey, Wilson not only highlighted the powerful, lifelong impact of mentorship but also their mutual respect and unwavering support. Their bond transcends the court—a legacy of excellence, growth, and genuine connection.