“Becky Hammon if you’re listening, free A’ja Wilson”: When Dawn Staley called out Las Vegas Aces HC to demand 1 thing

Dawn Staley shared one piece of advice about A'ja Wilson with Becky Hammon before Hammon began her coaching career with the Las Vegas Aces in 2022. The South Carolina coach urged her to unlock Wilson's 3-point shooting in the WNBA, she said during the 11th episode of "NETLIFE with Dawn Staley."

A'ja Wilson (left) and coach Dawn Staley take a selfie after the South Carolina Gamecocks beat the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs in the 2017 NCAA championship game. Photo: Imagn

Staley told Hammon, a former San Antonio Spurs assistant, to utilize that offensive tactic while saying her goodbye to Wilson during the podcast. Staley drew some laughs from her former player as she encouraged Hammon to let Wilson shoot from beyond the arc.

"I know that there are more MVP trophies coming your way," Staley said. "I know you have been working on your handles, I know you have been working on your 3-point shot. You got a new coach. Hey, Becky Hammon, if you’re listening out there: Free A’ja, let her shoot those 3s. Free A’ja’s 3s.”

Wilson laughed uncontrollably at Staley's remarks regarding her outside shooting. The Las Vegas star told Staley afterward that she had already figured out her 3-point celebration.

Exploring A'ja Wilson's 3-point shooting in college and the WNBA

Three-point shooting was not a major part of Wilson's offensive arsenal during her first three seasons at South Carolina. She shot just 1 of 4 from beyond the arc during this period. Wilson started expanding her game in her senior year, shooting 5 of 12 from the 3-point area in her final season with the Gamecocks.

South Carolina Gamecocks forward A'ja Wilson shoots over UConn Huskies forward Napheesa Collier (24) and forward Gabby Williams during their NCAA game in 2018. Photo: Imagn

Wilson turned professional in 2018, with the Aces making her the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft. Las Vegas focused more on getting Wilson her points inside the shaded area. She only attempted two 3-pointers during her first four seasons with the Aces, with Wilson's lone make coming in the 2021 season opener against the Seattle Storm.

The Aces made changes after they failed to win a title during that period, installing Hammon as their new coach on Dec. 31, 2021. She followed Staley's advice, letting Wilson shoot 3s in her first season with Las Vegas.

Wilson shot 33 of 97 from the 3-point area in the 2022 season, helping the Aces win their first championship. She continued launching it from deep in the 2023 campaign, shooting 10 of 31 from beyond the arc. Wilson's outside shot remained part of the Aces' game plan this year, with the Las Vegas center draining 23 of her 68 3-point attempts.