For A’ja Wilson and the 12,835 fans in attendance for senior night in Colonial Life Arena on Thursday, the pregame ceremony celebrating all that Wilson has accomplished in her career as a Gamecock was an emotional affair.
But for South Carolina coach Dawn Staley, there were no tears, she said. Not when there was a game to be played and several more after that.
“No. I know we have a lot more basketball to play with A’ja,” Staley said Thursday night when asked if she felt emotion overwhelming her when Wilson was honored at midcourt.
That’s not to say Staley isn’t proud of Wilson, the hometown recruit who helped her coach deliver a national championship last season.