A’ja Wilson shares special moment with Gamecock veteran after national championship
A’ja Wilson found her baby.
It’s what she called the incoming freshmen when she was a senior in the 2017-18 season at South Carolina. All but one of her babies have graduated, and that one became a national champion Sunday night at Target Center.
Wilson made her way onto the court, gave a big grin and embraced the teary-eyed LeLe Grissett.
“Way to stay the course because I know it was a bumpy ride,” Wilson told Grissett, now a fifth-year senior. “I know it was tough, but she stayed the course and look where she is. She is special.”
Grissett hadn’t played in an NCAA tournament in almost three years after suffering a season-ending injury last year and with the COVID-19 pandemic shutting everything down in 2020. Fast forward to 2021, and she opted to come back to South Carolina for a fifth year. She played all throughout the 2021-22 season, which included 10 minutes during the national title game where she had two rebounds.
As the confetti was falling on the hardwood floor at Target Center, Grissett and Wilson were reunited to share a special moment and embrace. The hugs and words of affirmation then shifted to dancing as the DJ played “Before I Let Go” by Frankie Beverly and Maze.
Not only do they share a commonality in being Gamecocks and playing under Staley, but both Wilson and Grissett have rings now. Wilson won hers in 2017, which was the program’s first. Five years later, Grissett picked up some hardware.
For as much as Wilson loves Grissett, the feeling is reciprocated.
“She’s my sister. I look up to her,” Grissett beamed. “I love her so much, so just to hear the words (of encouragement) come out of her mouth, it made me feel loved.”
As a freshman, Grissett watched as Wilson completed a senior campaign that included being named the consensus national player of the year by espnW, USA Today, AP, USBWA, Basketball Times. During their time together, there wasn’t one specific memory that sticks out in Wilson’s mind.
Any time the two were together was a good time. Celebrating a national championship is just another moment to add.
“Us together is a mess,” Wilson said. “We’re gonna to dance. We’re gonna smile. We’re gonna be lit. All that.”
This story was originally published April 4, 2022 at 7:40 AM.
