A'ja Wilson

A'ja Wilson won the John R. Wooden Award in 2018 as the best player in women’s college basketball while leading the South Carolina Gamecocks. A 6-5 forward, Wilson was dominant on both ends of the floor, averaging 22.6 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game during her senior season. Her ability to score in the post, rebound, and defend made her the most complete player in the country. Wilson had already built an impressive legacy before her Wooden Award-winning season, having led South Carolina to its first-ever national championship in 2017. In 2018, she continued to dominate, earning SEC Player of the Year honors for the third time and guiding the Gamecocks to another deep NCAA Tournament run. Her leadership, skill, and impact on the game made her a clear choice for the Wooden Award. After her legendary college career, Wilson was selected first overall in the 2018 WNBA Draft by the Las Vegas Aces.