A'ja Wilson's hilarious reaction after Dawn Staley makes her feelings clear on South Carolina despite $25,250,000 contract

Former South Carolina star forward A'ja Wilson reacted to Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley's honest admission about coaching in the WNBA. On Friday, Staley signed a five-year, $25.25 million extension with a unique exit clause. She's now the highest-paid coach in women's basketball.

Speaking to reporters after the Gamecocks' 101-60 win over Oklahoma on Sunday, Staley opened up about the exit clause on her new deal. The three-time NCAA champion coach didn't elaborate on why it was included but admitted that she's not interested in moving up to the next level.

"It's a give and take," Staley said. "It was important for me to have a guaranteed contract. But in having a guaranteed contract, you’ve got to give them something. I would never leave here to go take another college job. ... I really don’t have any passion for the next level."

A'ja Wilson reacted to Dawn Staley's new contract, exit clause and comments about it on Threads. Wilson has a lot of free time after turning down an opportunity to play for Unrivaled. She's coming off her third MVP campaign, as well as her second Olympic gold medal.

"We get itttttt you don’t wanna come to the W," Wilson wrote, adding a GIF of a toddler rolling her eyes.

Post by @aja22wilson

View on Threads

Wilson played under Staley from 2014 to 2018, helping the South Carolina Gamecocks win their first NCAA championship in 2017. She learned a lot from the legendary player and coach, who added two more national titles in 2022 with Aliyah Boston and in 2024 with Kamilla Cardoso.

Staley has been in charge of the Gamecocks since 2008, compiling a record of 458-107. She has established herself as one of the best coaches in women's college basketball history. Staley has been linked to the WNBA over the last few years, but her latest extension puts an end to it for now.

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A'ja Wilson set to get honored by South Carolina on Feb. 2

A'ja Wilson set to get honored by South Carolina on Feb. 2. (Photo: IMAGN)

Seven years after playing her final game for the South Carolina Gamecocks, A'ja Wilson will be honored by her alma mater on Feb. 2. South Carolina announced in October that it is retiring Wilson's No. 22 jersey due to all the contributions during her time with the program.

In four seasons with the Gamecocks, Wilson led them to two Final Four appearances and the 2017 NCAA championship. She also holds the record for most points and blocks in the program's history.

Wilson's No. 22 will join the jerseys of Martha Parker, Shannon Johnson, Tiffany Mitchell and Sheila Foster in the rafters of the Colonial Life Arena. The Las Vegas Aces star was previously honored with a bronze statue outside the arena in January 2021.