"Any team that didn't include you is going to be better": When Dawn Staley roasted A'ja Wilson about 1 aspect of her game

Dawn Staley once took a dig at ex-South Carolina star A
Dawn Staley once took a dig at ex-South Carolina star A'ja Wilson - IMAGN photos

Dawn Staley has enjoyed immense success as the head coach of South Carolina's women’s basketball program. During her long tenure, she has coached some of the most talented players in recent college basketball history, with A’ja Wilson among those at the top of that elite list.

Over the years, Staley has forged a special bond with Wilson, which remains intact long after the Las Vegas Aces made Wilson the top pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft. An example of this was seen two years ago when the duo connected on Episode 11 of Staley's podcast, Netlife.

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During their brief interaction ahead of the Gamecocks' Sweet 16 clash against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the 2022 NCAA Tournament, Wilson quizzed Staley on whether her team that season was the best ever from a defensive standpoint.

In response, the Gamecocks coach humorously took a dig at her former starting forward, pointing out the one flaw in her game in the process.

"Any team that didn't include you is going to be better than your era defensively," Staley said. "But, I will say this honestly, this team was committed to playing defense, the core of them, from their very first year of college."

Staley then went on to wonder why Wilson was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year by coaches during her time at South Carolina.

"You didn't get committed. Although, I don't know why the coaches voted you for defensive player of the year, and I think it had to do with you blocking."

A'ja Wilson thrived at South Carolina under Dawn Staley

Wilson established herself as one of the best players in Gamecocks history during her college basketball career. She was a key figure in helping Dawn Staley win her first national championship as head coach in 2017, earning a unanimous First-Team All-America selection and finishing as a finalist for the Naismith Trophy, Wade Trophy and Wooden Award.

A'ja Wilson established herself as one of the best players ever coached by Dawn Staley.
A'ja Wilson established herself as one of the best players ever coached by Dawn Staley.

Although the Gamecocks didn't win the national championship in 2018, Wilson enjoyed immense success in her final season of college basketball. She was named consensus National Player of the Year, and won the Naismith Trophy, Wade Trophy and Wooden Award.

Wilson emerged as a superstar in the WNBA, leading the Aces to their maiden WNBA championship in 2022 and then following it up with another title in 2023.

Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma, or Kim Mulkey - who is NCAAW's highest-paid coach? Find out here

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Edited by John Ezekiel Hirro
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