The Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson has inspired a lot of athletes including the Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese with her style. Often seen donning a one-legged sleeve, Wilson has extended her dominance beyond the hardwood. However, as per Wilson’s admission, her NCAA coach, Dawn Staley, with whom she otherwise shares a good rapport, did something that prevented her from completely enjoying her style.

Wilson was present in an interview with Footwear News when she divulged her equation with her ex-coach Staley and how the 54-year-old restricted her from completely using her fashion skills.

“At the University of South Carolina, Coach Staley was strict about our uniform. We weren’t allowed to wear sleeves unless it was medically cleared. In training camp [with the Aces], I was like, ‘Oh my God, my leg is not here today’ — my left leg, the one I use the most because I’m left-handed. So I tried the sleeve, but I cut the other one off because I wasn’t used to wearing sleeves and I hated it,” Wilson stated, via Footwear News.

Wilson committed to the South Carolina Gamecocks in 2014. She played for the Gamecocks for four years winning the Championship title in the 2016-17 NCAA season. She enjoyed a fairly good bond with Staley who has been coaching the Gamecocks since 2008 and has led the team to 3 NCAA Championship titles. It is said that Staley has been like a second mother to Wilson and also once gave her a shout-out for being the “best basketball player in the world.”

Notably, Wilson started donning the one-legged sleeve from her rookie year onwards with the Las Vegas Aces. She did it in order to get relief from the pain in her left leg caused by training. Since then, the sleeve has somewhat become the centerpiece for Wilson’s trademark style. And her franchise also released a bobblehead of Wilson wearing the sleeve. And even the WNBA rookie Reese seems to be inspired by Wilson’s fashion sense.

Angel Reese is inspired by A’ja Wilson

Reese who started donning the one-legged sleeve after suffering a Jones fracture stated that Wilson and Te’a Cooper are “two players that I really admire.” She added that both of them wear one legged sleeve and that has inspired Reese to take up the trend. As for the practical uses, Reese started donning the sleeve after a rod was inserted in her left leg and she wanted to cover the scar from it.

During the Aces game with the Sky, Reese was seen sharing a good bond and chit-chatting with her idol Wilson. Perhaps, Reese too will come closer to Staley in the process much like how Wilson is.

It is these “strict” rules that create stars out of athletes. Meanwhile, Staley can get back to Wilson on this statement once the Olympics is over. And hopefully, this fashion sense will also inspire future ballers.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.