A’ja Wilson is a prominent American basketball player for the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA. Raised in Columbia, South Carolina, Wilson was named after her father’s favorite song, “Aja” by Steely Dan. Her middle name, Riyadh, honors the Saudi Arabian capital where her maternal aunt was stationed during Operation Desert Storm. As one of the few Black students at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Wilson excelled in basketball from an early age, setting the stage for her future success.
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Biography of A’ja Wilson
| A’ja Wilson Wiki and Biography | Â |
| Real Name | A’ja Riyadh Wilson |
| Nickname | A’ja |
| Profession | Basketball player |
| Age | 28 Years (2024) |
| Date of Birth | August 8, 1996 |
| Birthplace | Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Gender | Female |
| Height in Inches | 6 feet 4 inches |
| Weight in KG | 88 kg |
High School Achievements
Wilson’s high school career was remarkable. Averaging 24.7 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 4.3 blocks per game, she led Heathwood Hall to a state championship in 2014. Named the National High School Player of the Year, she was also a Parade and McDonald’s All-American. Her impressive high school performance earned her the top spot in the ESPN HoopGurlz rankings.
College Success
Wilson played college basketball at the University of South Carolina under coach Dawn Staley. She led the Gamecocks to their first NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship in 2017 and won the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player award. In 2018, she captured her third consecutive SEC Player of the Year award and was named a consensus first-team All-American. That same year, she swept all major National Player of the Year awards.
| Affairs, Boyfriends, and Marital Status | Â |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Boyfriend | Bam Adebayo |
Professional Career
Drafted first overall by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2018 WNBA Draft, Wilson quickly made her mark. She won the WNBA MVP in 2020 and led the Aces to their first title in franchise history in 2022 and repeated in 2023. Wilson’s achievements include becoming the Aces’ all-time leading scorer and being named Finals MVP twice. In 2024, she set a single-season scoring record and became the first WNBA player with 1,000 points in a season.
International and Off-Court Achievements
Wilson has also shined on the international stage, winning Olympic gold medals in 2020 and 2024. Off the court, she is a New York Times best-selling author and has played overseas with the Shaanxi Red Wolves in China.
| Family and Relatives | Â |
| Father | Roscoe C. Wilson Jr. |
| Mother | Eva Rakes Wilson |
| Brother | Renaldo Wilson |
Unknown Facts about A’ja Wilson
Early Inspiration: A’ja’s name, inspired by her father’s favorite Steely Dan song “Aja,” reflects her family’s musical influences.
Unique Middle Name: Her middle name, Riyadh, honors the Saudi Arabian capital where her maternal aunt served during Operation Desert Storm.
Academic Achievements: As one of the few Black students at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, A’ja excelled both academically and athletically.
High School Stardom: Averaging 24.7 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 4.3 blocks per game, she was the 2014 National High School Player of the Year.
NCAA Triumphs: At South Carolina, she led her team to their first NCAA Championship in 2017 and was named Most Outstanding Player.
Historic WNBA Draft: In 2018, Wilson was drafted first overall by the Las Vegas Aces, marking a new era for the franchise.
Record-Breaking Performance: On September 15, 2024, she became the first WNBA player to score 1,000 points in a single season.
Olympic Glory: A’ja won her first Olympic Gold medal in 2020 and repeated the feat in 2024, showcasing her dominance on the global stage.
WNBA MVP Awards: She secured the WNBA MVP award in 2020 and again in 2022, solidifying her status as one of the league’s best.
Defensive Prowess: In 2022 and 2023, she won the Defensive Player of the Year award, known for her remarkable defensive skills.
Career High Scoring: On August 22, 2023, Wilson scored 53 points in a game, tying the WNBA single-game scoring record.
Franchise Leader: She became the Las Vegas Aces’ all-time leading scorer on July 7, 2024, a testament to her consistency and skill.
Best-Selling Author: Beyond the court, Wilson is a New York Times best-selling author, demonstrating her diverse talents.
Overseas Experience: She played for the Shaanxi Red Wolves in China during the 2018-19 offseason, gaining international experience.
Statue Dedication: On January 18, 2021, a statue of Wilson was unveiled at South Carolina’s Colonial Life Arena, honoring her impact.
Family and Personal Life: Raised by Roscoe Jr. and Eva Wilson, her family has been a significant influence on her career and values.
Physical Stats: A’ja Wilson stands 6 feet 4 inches tall and plays as a forward/center, known for her athleticism and versatility.
Net Worth: Her successful career and endorsements have contributed to a substantial net worth, reflecting her achievements.
Hobbies: Outside of basketball, Wilson enjoys reading and engaging in various community service activities.
A’ja’s journey from a promising high school athlete to a WNBA superstar showcases her dedication, talent, and impact both on and off the court.
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