Sophomore forward A’ja Wilson is on fire this season, leading the South Carolina women’s basketball team with 17 points and nine rebounds so far. The SEC has taken notice, and it was announced Tuesday that the 6-foot-5 sophomore would be named SEC Co-Player of the Week for the second time this season.
Texas A&M senior Courtney Williams shared this week’s honor with Wilson after averaging 26.5 points in two games last week.
Wilson has stepped up her play on the defensive end of the court, collecting 22 blocks and five steals in seven games. The forward earned Waikiki Beach Marriott Rainbow Wahine Showdown MVP honors after leading the Gamecocks to a perfect 3-0 record and tournament title.
Last season, Wilson racked up five SEC Freshman of the Week awards and was named SEC Freshman of the Year after averaging 13.1 points and 6.6 rebounds. Despite starting only one game a season ago, Wilson averaged 19.8 minutes per game off the bench.
Wilson has started all seven games this season and is shooting nearly 55 percent from the field in 25 minutes per game.
Last week, Wilson's average of 64 points, 24 rebounds and seven blocks in three games all led the team. She hit the game-winning free throws in a 60-58 win over No. 17 Arizona State and tied her career-high with 26 points in a win against CSU Bakersfield. Scoring double-digits in six of seven games thus far, Wilson’s four double-doubles are only one shy of last year’s mark.
If Wilson keeps up her stellar play, she will garner national attention by season’s end. A year removed from a Third Team All-America selection, the sophomore looks poised for another incredible season for the Gamecocks.