Dawn Staley is a legend—on and off the court. The South Carolina women’s basketball coach is as known for her sharp wit as she is for her championship wins. Always ready with sharp one-liners. She’s the kind of personality who can turn any moment into pure entertainment. So, when an NBA star crashed A’ja Wilson’s big night, Staley didn’t miss a beat. Her reaction? Pure gold!

And hilarious!

Lulu Kesin, a reporter for USA Today, tweeted it with an equally comical caption on X: “Dawn Staley being silly. ‘Bam was here… I don’t know why.’” And just like that, she turned a simple moment into one more unforgettable piece of her legendary sense of humor. 

A’ja Wilson returned to South Carolina on Sunday for a monumental moment—her No. 22 jersey retirement. The Las Vegas Aces star, who led the Gamecocks to their first national title in 2017, already has a statue outside the arena. Now, her jersey hangs in the rafters. But the night wasn’t just about Wilson’s legacy. Sitting courtside was Miami Heat center, Bam Adebayo, dressed in a suit matching Wilson’s.

The two have been at the center of dating rumors for months, especially after being spotted together during the Paris 2024 Olympics. While neither had confirmed the rumors, Wilson seemed to acknowledge their relationship during her speech, thanking her “favorite Olympian from out of town.”

But leave it to Dawn Staley to steal the show!

That said, as much as Wilson’s jersey retirement was a celebration of her achievements, it was also a reminder of the journey that brought her to this moment—one deeply intertwined with Dawn Staley’s influence.

Dawn Staley’s legacy to A’ja Wilson’s journey

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“I didn’t think it was real,” she admitted. “I honestly thought it was a joke.” A few years ago, when Wilson’s statue was unveiled, the world was still figuring things out post-COVID. She spoke to a small crowd of friends and family, still trying to wrap her head around the idea of having a statue.

Fast forward to now, standing in front of a packed arena, the reality of her impact hit differently. It wasn’t just about the statue or the jersey—it was about the people who made it all possible.

“South Carolina shaped me, not just as an athlete but as a person,” Wilson said, her voice steadying as she addressed the sellout crowd. “As I look in the rafters and see my jersey, I’m reminded how important it is to chase your dreams without fear.” Those words echoed through the arena, capturing the essence of her journey.

Dawn Staley, the architect of South Carolina’s rise, made it clear, too, that no one will ever wear No. 22 again. “What she means to our program is legendary,” Staley said. “But the magic of A’ja is all the other stuff. It’s the way she embraced the pressure, the way she inspired a community.” 

From the moment she stepped onto the court as a Gamecock, A’ja’s impact was undeniable. She didn’t just make history with her performance; she became the heartbeat of the program—an inspiration for every player, fan, and young girl watching. Wilson’s resume speaks for itself.

A national championship in 2017. Three SEC Player of the Year awards. A statue unveiled in 2021. And now, her jersey hanging forever in the arena she helped fill.

Even so, why was Bam there? Well, he was just there… for a reason.