When A'ja Wilson made her thoughts clear on repercussions of upsetting former coach Dawn Staley  

WNBA superstar A'ja Wilson shared that former collegiate coach Dawn Staley takes her craft seriously and demands a lot from her players. However, she said it is well and good, as it only serves to improve one's game.

She spoke about it in a post on X (formerly Twitter) three years ago, highlighting how Staley handles her coaching duties at the University of South Carolina, particularly how she is in the faces of her players if they don’t follow her instructions.

A'ja Wilson wrote:

"Correction ... If you play for Dawn Staley (period) and you make her upset ... you are going to hear it."

A'ja Wilson surely knew what she talking about, having played under Staley with the Gamecocks, where she blossomed into a star while helping the school win the national title in 2017. With the lessons she learned at South Carolina, she was selected with the first pick in the 2018 WNBA draft.

Her professional career has seen her winning two WNBA titles and three MVP awards.

Staley, for her part, maintained steady success, winning two more NCAA titles after Wilson left, in 2022 and 2024. Her success as a coach is an extension of her Hall-of-Fame playing career across various levels, including in the WNBA and with Team USA.

A'ja Wilson continues to lend support to former coach Dawn Staley

A'ja Wilson was last coached by Dawn Staley in 2017, but she remains a steadfast supporter of the champion NCAA coach. She demonstrates this in different ways, including paying tribute to the basketball legend whenever possible.

One instance occurred in October during an NBA game between the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat. The Las Vegas Aces All-Star was present, rocking the No. 5 teal-colored Charlotte Sting jersey of Staley, who starred for the team for six seasons and helped it reach the WNBA Finals in 1999.

Her choice of outfit left many intrigued, as the Hornets were playing the Heat, where Wilson’s rumored boyfriend, Bam Adebayo, plays. However, it further underscored the special bond she has developed with Staley.

In a conversation with the "Roommates Show" earlier this year, A'ja Wilson shared the importance of Staley to her and her career, saying:

"She allowed me to be a young woman. Allowed me to grow and have a full experience of being in college. Now it has built me into the woman I am today."

For her part, Staley may no longer be coaching Wilson, but she is closely following the career of her former collegiate star, never shy about speaking her mind on her game and offering advice when necessary.