North Carolina HC makes her feelings known on A'ja Wilson showing up to UNC game with a sweet message

Women’s basketball continues its upward trajectory, with WNBA stars like A'ja Wilson showing their support by tuning into college games. Such was the case when Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson, fresh off her third MVP season, attended a matchup between two elite college programs in Miami and North Carolina.

While not an alumna of either school, Wilson’s presence as one of the sport’s top players made her visit to the locker room a special moment.

The No. 17 Tar Heels were particularly thrilled to see Wilson after their 69-60 victory over the Hurricanes, which extended their record to 13-2 and marked a three-game winning streak. North Carolina head coach Courtney Banghart expressed her appreciation for A'ja Wilson’s support in an Instagram story featuring a photo of the two.

"One of the best to ever do it. Much love and respect. Thanks for dropping in @aja22wilson," Banghart wrote.

Instagram Story of Coach Courtney Banghart about A'ja Wilson

For the Tar Heels, two names stood out on the hardwood. Maria Gakdeng matched her season high with 21 points and recorded a season-best 12 rebounds, while Alyssa Ustby contributed 19 points and 13 boards to secure the Tar Heels’ nine-point win.

A'ja Wilson continues to build an outstanding basketball legacy

Though not a Tar Heels alum, A'ja Wilson, who played four years at South Carolina and led the Gamecocks to a national championship in 2017, was warmly welcomed in the Tar Heels’ locker room. The players were thrilled to meet one of the most accomplished figures in the sport.

Wilson’s resume speaks volumes. At just 28 years old, she is a two-time WNBA champion, three-time MVP, and two-time Defensive Player of the Year. In her most recent unanimous MVP season, she shattered single-season WNBA records for scoring and rebounding, cementing her status as one of the league’s best.

While the WNBA season doesn’t tip off until May, Wilson has opted to take the winter off to focus on rest and improvement.

Despite the January launch of the new Unrivaled 3x3 women’s basketball league spearheaded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Wilson has decided to sit out and prioritize her offseason.

Sources previously informed the Sports Business Journal that rising star Caitlin Clark's offer was approximately $1 million plus equity in the league. However, new information suggests that A'ja Wilson received an even more lucrative offer than Clark’s but remains committed to taking the winter off.