Just a day after South Carolina raised A’ja Wilson’s No. 22 jersey to the rafters, she gave fans yet another unforgettable moment. Her six-year deal with Nike was already a game-changer, but no one expected her to drop another bombshell so soon. Ever the showman, Wilson did it with just three words.

Posting on Instagram, she wrote, “Just A’ lil Tease 😏”, instantly sending social media into a frenzy. The cryptic message came with a video of her unboxing her new signature sneakers, giving fans their first real look at the highly anticipated A’One.

While news of Wilson’s massive contract extension with Nike broke back on December 17 of last year, the deal—one of the richest ever for a WNBA player—cements her growing influence both on and off the court. As she prepares to officially launch the A’One next spring, Wilson is making it clear: she’s not just a star, she’s a brand.

A 2x WNBA champion and 2x Defensive Player of the Year, Wilson now joins an elite group of just 13 WNBA athletes with their own signature shoe. She shares the stage with names like Breanna Stewart (Puma) and fellow Nike standout Sabrina Ionescu. While the financial details remain undisclosed, one thing is certain—Nike sees Wilson as a cornerstone athlete for years to come.

While the financial details remain undisclosed, one thing is certain—Nike sees Wilson as a cornerstone athlete for years to come.

From rookie to role model: A’ja Wilson’s enduring influence on South Carolina’s next big thing

But for Wilson, it’s never just been about deals and accolades. It’s about legacy, and that’s why, on the eve of her jersey retirement, she was exactly where she wanted to be—back at South Carolina, pouring wisdom into the next generation.

On Saturday, Wilson stood in the middle of a circle of Gamecocks players, offering them the same guidance she once received from Dawn Staley. Among them was freshman Joyce Edwards, South Carolina’s leading scorer, who couldn’t stop raising her hand, hungry to learn from the legend before her.

Wilson saw herself in Edwards—the same raw talent, the same South Carolina roots, and the same potential to be great. “Joyce, her IQ is something that’s going to take her far,” Wilson said. “I think she is already becoming a pro at a young age… I wish I had that patience as a freshman.”

Edwards, who grew up just 40 miles from where Wilson became a national champion, is already proving to be South Carolina’s next big thing. Wilson knows she’s in the right hands. “No one gets you ready for the next level like Coach Staley,” she said in her jersey retirement speech. “She’s gonna be good.”

Wilson has already left her mark on South Carolina, the WNBA, and now Nike. But if history has taught us anything, it’s that A’ja Wilson is only just getting started.