When Dawn Staley fired shots at A'ja Wilson's off-court activities while describing keys to greatness

A'ja Wilson and former coach Dawn Staley have always had a close relationship from their time together in South Carolina. So much so that after several years apart, they remain close and exchanging positive words whenever they have the chance.

An old video shows the coach calling out Wilson for her off-court activities while describing what it takes to make it to the Gamecocks and perform at the highest level. After asking Staley her favorite color out of red, white and blue, she followed with a question about what it takes to make it in that program.

"It takes the same thing that you do every day and still a little bit more. A little bit more discipline, a little more getting in the gym, a little less social media," Staley said before Wilson stood up and ended their mini-interview.

A'ja Wilson spent four years playing under Dawn Staley, earning honors every season. She finished with 2,389 total points, 1,195 rebounds, 191 assists, 136 steals and 364 blocks. She was an All-American each season she spent in college, was named the AP Player of the Year and became the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft.

Flash forward, six years later, Wilson is a three-time MVP, two-time WNBA champion, two-time Defensive Player of the Year an six-time All-Star.

Despite a tumultuous end to the 2024 season, the center remains one of the best players in the league and Dawn Staley played a key role in her development.

Dawn Staley explained A'ja Wilsons's impact on South Carolina

Staley and A'ja Wilson shared success over the years and they never stopped showing respect to one another. Before the 2022 March Madness Sweet 16 Game, Staley and Wilson met for her "NETLIFE with Dawn Staley" show on Just Women's Sports. She talked about the program's progress and how they prepared to welcome Wilson.

"I'm super excited that we get the chance to experience our eighth in a row. That means that we started Sweet 16 before you got to South Carolina. So, I know you made us into a powerhouse, but we were doing big things before you came. We were elevating for you." (12:50)

With the Las Vegas Aces, she elevated her game even higher, but there's no doubt that Wilson has worked with great coaches, starting with Staley and now with Becky Hammon, the person who led the Aces to back-to-back WNBA titles.