As A’ja Wilson prepares for a career-defining moment—her No. 22 jersey retirement at South Carolina on February 2, 2025—an unexpected blast from the past threatens to steal the spotlight. This one’s got everything: her legendary coach, Dawn Staley, a breakup, and some long-buried “boy drama” that Wilson never signed up to relive. But as the story resurfaces, Wilson’s ready to set the record straight—on her terms.

A’ja Wilson celebrated for her poise and dominance as a two-time WNBA MVP and national champion, had a hilarious response to Staley’s recent comments about a past breakup. Taking to Instagram Threads, she jokingly called out her former coach: “Coach Staley talking about my college boy drama to the media is crazyyyyyy work 😂😂😂 (and for the record… he wasn’t my boyfriend we ain’t claim each other 😂🥴).”

Her response, full of humor, shows the lighthearted side of the Gamecocks legend, but also her desire to draw boundaries between her personal life and her public persona.

The moment stemmed from a post by reporter Lulu Kesin, who shared on X that Staley once recalled Wilson crying to her about breaking up with a boyfriend. Staley added, “She’s going to kill me,” but continued to recount how she reassured Wilson, saying, “Don’t cry, you’re going to be fine/back together next week.”

Wilson, ever the good sport, couldn’t help but laugh at the situation, but she was quick to clarify her side of the story—no claims of an official boyfriend here!

From boy drama to jersey glory: A’ja Wilson’s monumental moment takes center stage

Although the story shifted to Dawn Staley reminiscing about A’ja Wilson’s past boy drama, February 2, 2025, will bring the focus back to what truly matters—Wilson’s monumental jersey retirement at Colonial Life Arena. And if you think the timing couldn’t get more intriguing, it’s also the same day as Caitlin Clark’s jersey retirement at Iowa—two of the game’s brightest stars honored on the same stage.

Wilson’s retirement is the culmination of an unmatched career that includes some of the highest honors in basketball. From the Consensus National Player of the Year to the Naismith Trophy and Wooden Award, her resume is a testament to her dominance on the court.

With averages of 17.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 55%, Wilson’s legacy in Columbia is solidified. And let’s not forget her three consecutive SEC Player of the Year awards.

The ceremony will be held ahead of South Carolina’s home game against Auburn, and with tickets ranging from $27 to $1,425, fans will have a chance to witness the legacy of one of the most celebrated players in women’s basketball. It’s a moment fans won’t want to miss—and tickets are already up for grabs on StubHub.