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Former South Carolina star A’ja Wilson revels in Gamecocks’ title win

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(Bri Lewerke/Just Women's Sports)

A’ja Wilson was all about South Carolina winning the national championship Sunday night.

The former Gamecock, who helped the team win its first national title in women’s basketball in 2017, could be seen celebrating on the court with the players following the win.

She also posted on her Instagram with photos that included National Player of the Year Aliyah Boston.

She celebrated with LeLe Grissett, the last of her “babies” who still plays at South Carolina, The State newspaper reported. Grissett was a freshman when Wilson was a senior during the 2017-18 season.

“Way to stay the course because I know it was a bumpy ride,” Wilson told Grissett, now in her fifth year. “I know it was tough, but she stayed the course and look where she is. She is special.”

With the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down the season in 2020 and a season-ending injury in 2021, Grissett hadn’t played in an NCAA tournament in nearly three years. On Sunday, she capped off her career with a national championship.

“She’s my sister. I look up to her,” Grissett said of Wilson. “I love her so much, so just to hear the words (of encouragement) come out of her mouth, it made me feel loved.”

The two danced together on the court in celebration of the win.

“Us together is a mess,” Wilson said. “We’re gonna to dance. We’re gonna smile. We’re gonna be lit. All that.”

But in response to South Carolina coach Dawn Staley saying that the 2022 team was her best, Wilson had just one word: