Las Vegas Aces Star A’ja Wilson Named 2025 AP Player of the Year
LAS VEGAS – A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces has been named the 2025 Associated Press Player of the Year, the AP announced Friday (Sept.12).This marks Wilson’s second consecutive win of the honour as she concludes her seventh regular season with the Aces. Minnesota Lynx leader Napheesa Collier and Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas were runners-up for the recognition.
Wilson,the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2018, has consistently elevated her game, becoming a dominant force on both ends of the court. “She’s put in the work, and she passes all the tests – the math tests, the optics tests – she’s the most exciting player in the W,” Aces coach Becky hammon told the AP.”And here’s the thing, she’s also the most exciting player on the defensive end. She will do somthing once a game defensively that’s going to get you out of your seat. She’s the only player in this league that I’ve seen that has defensive highlights on a consistent basis.”
The University of South Carolina alum also secured her third AP Defensive Player of the Year award. Reflecting on her development, Wilson noted, “Considering Coach (Dawn) Staley was so hard on me about my defense in college, I’m glad I can have some success at the pro level multiple times.” Staley coached Wilson at USC, where they won the 2017 NCAA title.
Wilson and the Aces enter the 2025 WNBA playoffs with a 16-game winning streak, opening against the Seattle Storm on Sunday (Sept.14).The 6’4″ center has consistently delivered standout performances throughout the season, including a 30-point, 20-rebound game against the Connecticut Sun in August.
Beyond her on-court achievements, Wilson’s influence extends into the cultural sphere. In 2024, she released “Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You,” a New York Times bestseller. This year also saw the debut of her signature Nike A’One shoe and a corresponding clothing collection. She is also a contender for her fourth WNBA MVP award and received a shout-out from Cardi B on her song “Outside.”
