5 South Carolina WBB alum who were selected in the first-round of WNBA
The South Carolina Gamecocks have emerged to be a dominant force in the women’s college basketball space. The program mounted an undefeated championship run last season. Moreover, the record season came without a set star player or a star duo, unlike programs like the UConn Huskies, Iowa Hawkeyes and USC Trojans.
Moreover, the Gamecocks’ caliber shines through the 16 players that have transitioned to the WNBA, with five of those taking home the Rookie of the Year mantle. Additionally, coach Dawn Staley has sent at least one player to the WNBA in seven of the last nine drafts.
Here's a closer look at five first-round picks that have emerged out of the Gamecocks' women's basketball program.
5 first-round WNBA players to come from South Carolina Gamecocks
#5. Alaina Coates – No. 2 overall by the Chicago Sky (2017)
Coates came to the Gamecocks after being recruited heavily by top teams in 2013. She was recognized as an All-SEC player four times as she became an integral piece of South Carolina’s surging basketball landscape.
Alaina Coates averaged 12.1 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 133 games with South Carolina.
#4. Kamilla Cardoso – No. 3 overall by the Chicago Sky (2024)
Kamilla Cardoso was a defensive powerhouse for South Carolina, being a key frontcourt player in two championship runs. She played her first year in Syracuse and transferred to Dawn Staley’s crew in 2021, playing under 14 minutes in her first title season.
However, in 2023, Cardoso anchored the paint on both ends of the floor, racking up 14.4 ppg, 9.7 rpg and 2.5 bpg while making 59.4% of her shots.
#3. Allisha Gray – No. 4 overall by the Dallas Wings (2017)
Gray began college basketball with the ACC’s powerhouse, North Carolina Tar Heels, averaging 14.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 1.4 spg over two years. She then transferred to South Carolina.
Even though her field goal attempts saw a brief decline, Gray’s efficiency played a huge part in the Gamecocks' 2017 championship season, where she averaged 13.2 ppg, 5.0 rpg and 2.5 apg.
#2. Aliyah Boston – No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever (2023)
Aliyah Boston is one of the most consistent ballers emerging out of Dawn Staley’s mentorship. From Player of the Year to four DPOY awards, Boston averaged 14.1 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 2.4 bpg and 1.0 spg across four years.
She was a perfect star player for Staley, who maintained her production despite consistent changes in the frequency of her shot attempts, minutes and objectives. She had made two All-Star appearances in her two WNBA seasons so far.
#1. A'ja Wilson – No. 1 overall by the Las Vegas Aces (2018)
With accolades such as Defensive Player of the Year, Wooden Award, Naismith Award, NCAA title and much more, A'ja Wilson is undoubtedly the best player to emerge from South Carolina. She averaged 17.3 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2.6 bpg and 1.0 spg throughout four seasons.
Even though her WNBA success came a little later than Boston, Wilson has thrust herself alongside South Carolina's greats like Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie and Lauren Jackson. She dominated the 2024 season to win her third MVP award.