In a testament to the enduring excellence of the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball program, former stars Allisha Gray and A’ja Wilson have once again demonstrated their dominance on the professional stage. The two WNBA veterans, both pivotal figures in the Gamecocks’ storied history, were honored as the WNBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week for Week 10 of the 2025 season. This remarkable achievement not only highlights their individual brilliance but also serves as a powerful symbol of the elite talent pipeline that has been established in Columbia, South Carolina.

A’ja Wilson, the undisputed face of the Las Vegas Aces and a multi-time WNBA MVP, has continued her sensational 2025 campaign, solidifying her status as one of the most dominant forces the league has ever seen. Her Week 10 performance was nothing short of historic. The crowning moment of her week came in a game where she posted the first-ever 30-point, 20-rebound game in WNBA history, finishing with 32 points, 20 rebounds, and 5 assists in a win over the Connecticut Sun. This monumental stat line was the pinnacle of a week that saw her lead the Aces to a four-game winning streak, their longest of the season. Wilson’s ability to consistently deliver MVP-caliber performances is a marvel. She has been a force on both ends of the court, ranking second in the league in scoring with 22.2 points per game and first in blocks with 2.1 per game. Her 9.6 rebounds per game are also third-best in the WNBA. Wilson’s all-around game is a masterclass in efficiency and power, with her offensive production often coming from her relentless attack in the paint, where she ranks second in points per game. The Aces’ recent surge up the Western Conference standings is directly attributable to her leadership and relentless performance. She is the engine that drives the team, and her recognition as Western Conference Player of the Week for Week 10 is a well-deserved honor that further cements her legacy.

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, Allisha Gray has been the quiet but undeniable force behind the Atlanta Dream’s impressive ascent. Gray’s recognition as Eastern Conference Player of the Week marks her second such honor in the 2025 season, a testament to her consistent impact. The Atlanta Dream have been one of the hottest teams in the league, and Gray’s play has been a primary catalyst. In Week 10, she led the Dream to a perfect record, extending their win streak to five games and pulling them into a tie for the second-best record in the entire WNBA. Gray’s game is a study in versatility and efficiency. She is a scoring threat from all areas of the court, a lockdown defender, and an underrated playmaker. In the week that earned her the honor, she showcased her multifaceted skill set, averaging 22.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while shooting a scorching 60% from the field and 54.2% from three-point range. Her ability to score in bunches was particularly on display in a game where she hit a career-high seven three-pointers. Gray’s season averages of 18.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game are all career highs, and her 40.5% three-point shooting is among the best in the league. She has become the go-to scorer for the Dream, a role she has embraced with remarkable effectiveness. Her recognition as a three-time WNBA All-Star is a clear indication of her rise to the league’s elite, and her consistent production has been a crucial factor in the Dream’s success.

The simultaneous recognition of Gray and Wilson as conference players of the week is a rare and remarkable occurrence, and it speaks volumes about their shared journey. Both players were integral to the South Carolina Gamecocks program under head coach Dawn Staley, where they won a national championship together in 2017. Their time at South Carolina laid the foundation for their professional success, instilling in them a winning mentality and a work ethic that continues to pay dividends. Wilson, the 2018 WNBA first-overall pick, and Gray, a 2017 first-round pick, have both exceeded the high expectations placed upon them. They have not only carved out successful individual careers but have also become leaders for their respective franchises. Their individual accolades, including MVP awards for Wilson and All-Star nods for both, are a source of pride for the entire Gamecock community. The fact that they are both playing at such a high level simultaneously, nearly a decade after their college glory days, is a powerful endorsement of the coaching and development they received at South Carolina.

The narratives of A’ja Wilson and Allisha Gray, while distinct in their on-court roles, are intertwined by a common thread of relentless dedication and a shared foundation of excellence. Wilson’s game is defined by its explosive power and relentless dominance in the paint. She is a low-post force who can also stretch the floor and knock down midrange jumpers. Her defense is a game-changer, and her shot-blocking ability is a constant deterrent for opposing offenses. Gray, on the other hand, is a versatile and cerebral wing player. She can create her own shot, run the floor in transition, and play stingy defense against the opponent’s best perimeter player. Her shooting from beyond the arc has become a key weapon in her arsenal, making her a difficult matchup for any defender. Both players have demonstrated a remarkable ability to evolve their games, adding new skills and dimensions to their repertoire to remain at the peak of their profession.

The WNBA is a league of immense talent, and to be recognized as the best player in one’s conference for a given week is a significant honor. To have two players from the same collegiate program earn that distinction in the same week is an extraordinary achievement. It underscores the exceptional talent that Dawn Staley and her staff have consistently brought to South Carolina and developed into WNBA stars. The success of A’ja Wilson and Allisha Gray is not just a reflection of their individual talent; it is a powerful validation of a program that continues to produce elite-level professional athletes. Their ongoing success serves as an inspiration to current and future Gamecocks, proving that the path from Colonial Life Arena to WNBA stardom is a well-trodden and achievable one. As the 2025 WNBA season heads into its final stretch, both players will be crucial to their teams’ playoff aspirations, and fans of the South Carolina Gamecocks will be cheering them on every step of the way, celebrating the continued brilliance of two of their own.