Final Four Bound: A’ja Wilson Pumps Up South Carolina After Victory Over Duke

In a thrilling moment for the South Carolina Gamecocks, A’Ja Wilson, the star of the Las Vegas Aces, gave a heartfelt shoutout to her alma mater as they secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament Final Four.

“Final Fo,” Wilson posted on Instagram, expressing her excitement and support for the team she once led.

The Gamecocks earned a hard-fought 54-50 victory over Duke in the Elite Eight, advancing to their fifth consecutive Final Four. South Carolina came out strong, leading 16-10 at the end of the first quarter. However, Duke mounted a comeback, taking a 42-38 lead by the third. But South Carolina showed resilience in the fourth, scoring the first eight points and regaining control. Their defense proved pivotal, forcing 19 turnovers from Duke and limiting them to just 32% shooting from the field.

Wilson’s connection to South Carolina runs deep. She played for the Gamecocks from 2014 to 2018, helping lead them to their first NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship in 2017. Her exceptional talent earned her the title of National Player of the Year in 2018, and she remains the Gamecocks’ all-time leading scorer with 2,389 points. Her legacy is immortalized with a retired jersey and a statue outside the Colonial Life Arena.

Off the court, Wilson continues to make an impact, particularly in Nevada. Recently, she teamed up with 2K Games to give back to the community by unveiling a new basketball court at the James Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada. The initiative, which aims to provide young athletes with better opportunities, was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Wilson, members of the Boys and Girls Club, and 2K Games representatives.

This partnership is just one of many in Wilson’s ongoing efforts to promote positive change. Through her foundation, she advocates for individuals with learning disabilities and works tirelessly to create inclusive spaces where all young athletes can thrive.

Although she now plays for the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA, Wilson’s roots remain in South Carolina. Born in Columbia and raised in nearby Hopkins, Wilson’s connection to her community is as strong as ever.