The WNBA has seen an immense rise lately, and if someone has grown even in this attention, it is A’ja Wilson. The 29-year-old Las Vegas Aces star has shaken the W community by becoming the first player to win 4 MVPs. But the journey to here was never easy. A’ja was trailing Napheesa Collier for a long period in this year’s MVP race. Thanks to her dedication, Wilson helped the Aces win 16 games in a row, which in turn helped her win the title and gain fans worldwide. One such fan is in the Wade household.

Yes, there’s a new role model in the Wade-Union household. Dwyane Wade declared it, and now, Gabrielle Union is reinforcing it. D-Wade’s wife had a little message for A’ja Wilson after she just made WNBA history. Excuse Gab for being a week late to the MVP party. She was busy picking up her own award and being an icon herself.

Ahead of the finals against the Phoenix Mercury, Wilson shared that amazing experience on her Instagram with a photo dump. She even added a goofy edit of hers and Jackie Young’s faces on that famous Dwyane Wade-LeBron James picture from the Miami Heat Big 3 era. Gabrielle Union shared that exact picture with an extra message. “So proud of you [A’ja Wilson].” That says it all.

But we can understand why Union chose to share that picture on her IG story. She was still D-Wade’s girlfriend in December 2010 when he made that iconic alley-oop to Bron for that moment to be captured, with James midair, in one unforgettable photograph. Union’s nod was a tad late, but a perfect way to cap off her husband’s recent declaration. Even the original editor of the picture was in the comments, getting praise for the little extra detail that is putting Wilson’s and Young’s signature sneakers into the edit.

A’ja led the Aces to the WNBA finals after a valiant effort by the Indiana Fever. Wilson and Young brought that same offensive force during the playoffs. After the superstar-less Indiana Fever forced Game 5, Wilson’s 35 points and Young’s 32 points in a crucial game overpowered them. After being 0-1, to now playing against the Phoenix Mercury, there’s a strong likelihood she wins her third championship, too.

A’ja Wilson is the new standard for Dwyane Wade

It was a busy week for Gabrielle Union. After celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Bring it On franchise, she was getting an award of her own – Variety’s Entrepreneur Impact Award. During that time, dramatic things were happening in the W, and Dwyane Wade just declared the ideal role model for their daughter.

“She’s a role model. Not saying she’s trying to be one or not, she is.” The 3x NBA champion said about A’ja Wilson on the Timeout podcast. “And if my daughter wants to be an athlete, and wants to, that’s an example right here. If she’s doing a camp, she’s doing anything, go to A1, because she’s got it and she’s great. So, you know, obviously, man, I love it.”

Around this time last year, their youngest daughter, Kaavia, was fangirling over Angel Reese. She clung to Reese when the family attended Chicago Sky games, wanted to make a special t-shirt for Reese, and even stole Gab’s heels to be as tall as the forward. While the primary, unchangeable role model for Kaavia is Zaya, Union had said, “Thank you, [Angel Reese] for being a model for all our daughters.”

But lately, Reese’s frustrations with the Chicago Sky (which have nothing to do with minority owner, D-Wade) and speculation of her wanting out are creating a villainous narrative in the game. D-Wade has not addressed any of it. However, it’s not hard to see that, as parents, they’re turning to A’ja Wilson as an inspiration for Kaavia. Can Wilson win her third and establish herself as an ideal role model? We will wait for Kaavia’s approval!