A’ja Wilson is yet to decide on what she wants to do in her life after basketball. But the 28-year-old is sure about what she doesn’t want to do. And while coaching and commentating is off her radar, the two-time WNBA champion hinted that she would love to focus on the “next generation” in some capacity.
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“Yeah, no, I haven’t really given it any thought,” the six-time All-Star said on The Roommates Show. “I know the basketball is gonna stop bouncing. But for me, I just really focus in on the next generation, like giving them like the foundation to be able to be successful is something that I would love to continue to do when I stop playing.”
A’ja declared firmly that she doesn’t want to follow her former coach Dawn Staley’s athlete-to-coach route. She is also not interested in following in the footsteps of former athletes like Candace Parker, who turned to broadcasting and commentary after retiring from the game.
“I know I don’t want to coach, I don’t want to commentate. But other than that, you never know what could happen,” the two-time DPOY added.
Through the A’ja Wilson Foundation, the reigning WNBA MVP already supports numerous ventures focused on the next generation. She has also raised awareness around dyslexia, a condition that she is all too familiar with, having overcome it in her early days.
Interestingly, it was Staley who helped the young forward overcome the learning difficulty. During their time together at the South Carolina Gamecocks, the coach encouraged Wilson to read scripture before games, helping her address her dyslexia.
Parker, who spent her final few seasons with the Las Vegas Aces, also had an impact on A’ja’s life. As a senior teammate, Parker supported a third-year A’ja’s ascension to superstardom.
“But it was just like 13-year old A’ja saying what, you were my screensaver, I went to Tennessee to see your Jersey retirement, and now, you’re feeding me information and telling me how I can continue to grow this game,” Wilson had said about playing with Parker.
After retiring, Candace took her talents to Turner Sports, where she is an analyst and commentator for NBA on TNT. Last year, she became the first woman to provide color commentary for an NBA All-Star Game.
Just like Staley, Parker has left her imprint on the game even after hanging up her jersey. Wilson is certain she wants to touch and mold future generations. In a way, that is already happening. There are many in the league, including young forwards like Angel Reese, who consider her an inspiration.
