A’ja Wilson Set to Mentor South Carolina’s Frontcourt Ahead of Elite Eight Clash
Ahead of South Carolina’s crucial Elite Eight showdown against Duke on Sunday, former Gamecocks legend A’ja Wilson is stepping in to provide mentorship to key players in the squad. With a Final Four berth on the line, head coach Dawn Staley has reached out to Wilson to guide South Carolina’s frontcourt stars, ensuring they are mentally and physically prepared for the the line, head coach Dawn Staley has reached out to Wilson to guide South Carolina’s frontcourt stars, ensuring they are mentally and physically prepared for the high-stakes matchup.
Wilson, a two-time WNBA MVP and Olympic gold medalist, is widely regarded as one of the most dominant post players in the game. Her expertise and experience on the biggest stages make her the perfect mentor for South Carolina’s rising talents, particularly freshman standout Joyce Edwards, junior forward Ashlyn Watkins, and versatile junior Chloe Kitts.
Edwards, who has emerged as a major force in her debut season, leads the Gamecocks in scoring during conference play and has already earned All-SEC First Team and SEC All-Freshman Team honors. As a fellow forward who thrived under Staley’s system, Wilson is expected to provide invaluable insights into handling the pressure of the NCAA Tournament and excelling in the paint.
Meanwhile, Watkins and Kitts, both key contributors to South Carolina’s frontcourt depth, will benefit from Wilson’s mentorship in refining their defensive positioning and offensive efficiency. With Duke’s size and physicality posing a significant challenge, Wilson’s presence in practice sessions could be a game-changer for the Gamecocks.
Speaking on Wilson’s involvement, Staley emphasized the importance of learning from the best: “A’ja knows what it takes to win at this level and beyond. Having her around to mentor our players is a huge advantage as we prepare for Duke.”
As South Carolina aims for another deep tournament run, the return of Wilson—even in a mentorship role—could provide the edge they need to punch their ticket to the Final Four.
