South Carolina women’s basketball puts players in the WNBA at an elite level. The Gamecocks are one of just a handful of teams that have double-digit players in the W.
On Wednesday, ESPN released its annual WNBA preseason top 25, and three of those USC products made the cut. Michael Voepel, Kendra Andrews, Alex Philippou, and Kevin Pelton contributed to the list.
First, and most obviously, A’ja Wilson was No. 1. The Las Vegas Aces star had one of the best seasons in league history in 2024. Wilson averaged career-high numbers in points, rebounds, blocks, and steals while putting up a WNBA All-Defense effort. She also broke the league record for points and points per game in a season. Wilson and the Aces will vie for their third WNBA championship in the last four seasons.
At No. 21, Indiana Fever post player Aliyah Boston was the next Gamecock on the list. Boston has been an All-Star in both of her two professional seasons, and she is as steady a performer on offense, defense, and the glass as any in the league. The 6-5 star will partner with guard Caitlin Clark to lead one of the best young teams in the Eastern Conference.
Just two spots later, Allisha Gray checked in at No. 23. Another Gamecock who has made the last two All-Star Games, she is a scorer first who is an elite 3-point shooter when given time and space. Her percentages were up and down under previous head coach Tanisha Wright who guided the Atlanta Dream to the league’s worst offense and second-worst shooting numbersin 2024. New head coach Karl Smesko is known for getting his best shooters open looks.
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The WNBA is currently working through its preseason schedule. The regular season begins on May 16th and May 17th.
Gray and the Atlanta Dream (and fellow USC alum Te-Hina Paopao) will open their season on Friday, May 16th at 3:00 p.m. against the Washington Mystics. Fans can tune in to watch the game on Ion.
Wilson’s Aces will play their first game on Saturday, May 17th against the New York Liberty at 1:00 p.m. Boston’s Fever will take on the Chicago Sky (and former Gamecock Kamilla Cardoso) at 3:00 p.m. on the 17th. Both contests will air as part of a back-to-back on ABC and will stream on the ESPN app.
