Dawn Staley Reacts to A’ja Wilson Wearing UConn Gear After Bet With Kiah Stokes: “NEVER Thought We’d See the Day!”
Dawn Staley had one of the best reactions of the WNBA preseason after seeing her former star, A’ja Wilson, decked out in UConn gear — a sight Gamecock fans never expected to witness.
“NEVER thought we’d see the day A’ja Wilson wears UConn gear… but that’s what happens when you lose a bet to Kiah Stokes!” Staley joked, adding a perfect blend of pride and playful shade.
Wilson, a South Carolina legend and centerpiece of Staley’s 2017 national championship squad, lost a friendly bet with Las Vegas Aces teammate Kiah Stokes — a proud alum of UConn, one of South Carolina’s fiercest rivals in women’s basketball. The consequence? Wilson had to wear the rival school’s gear, a move that quickly caught fire on social media.
For Staley, now entering the WNBA preseason with her coaching staff, the moment was a mix of humor and nostalgia. The longtime South Carolina coach couldn’t help but take a light-hearted jab, showing that even as her players move on to the pros, the college rivalries — and bonds — still run deep.
“A’ja will always be Garnet & Black in our hearts,” Staley added with a laugh, “but I guess even the greatest have to pay up sometimes.”
As preseason action tips off, fans are not only celebrating the return of WNBA basketball but also cherishing moments like these — when legendary college ties meet professional friendships.
Congrats to Coach Staley on the start of another exciting preseason. If this first day is any sign, we’re in for a season full of highlights, laughs, and unforgettable moments — on and off the court.
