'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYH/8QAFAEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA//aAAwDAQACEAMQAAAAg8eCD//EAB4QAAEEAwADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQRAAUSBjFx/9oACAEBAAE/ANbGZkTPI9YIzClw3bbfdtRCOSopA9ZKZ6kvG6tZND7n/8QAFREBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL/2gAIAQIBAT8Al//EABYRAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIAAf/aAAgBAwEBPwArb//Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
A'ja Wilson has made a name for herself in the WNBA after winning two WNBA championships and three Most Valuable Player awards. However, the Las Vegas Aces star once credited WNBA icon Sheryl Swoopes for having a special place in her heart.
During a postgame interview in 2021, Wilson expressed her thoughts about Swoopes as a player and role model.
"Sheryl Swoopes is the GOAT," Wilson said. "She started it all and she is one that is just an amazing person. Her game speaks for itself, you know, you see Hall of Famer all this but when I talk to Sheryl Swoopes, I really feel like I am talking to my mom."
Trending
Wilson also mentioned Lisa Leslie and talked about her relationship with NBA legends.
"Even when I talk to Lisa Leslie, there is something about it," Wilson said. "They give off that motherly sphere. You know when your ancestors got your back, I really feel like the the legends got my back. She gives me the real and those are the things that I can appreciate.
"Even though we rock 22, you know, that's the best number there is but it's just really cool to form a relationship with a legend like that and to be able to pay homage to her, I was all aboard of that. She is really the GOAT honestly."
A'ja Wilson and Sherly Swoopes have formed a close relationship. Wilson once contacted her former coach Dawn Staley to get Swoopes' number to get some advice. Swoopes on the other hand, never misses out on praising the three-time WNBA MVP for her talent.
Sheryl Swoopes mentions A'ja Wilson in contention for Caitlin Clark's latest achievement
On Tuesday's episode of "Gil's Show," Sheryl Swoopes was featured as a panelist. She makes regular appearances on Gilbert Arenas' podcast to share her knowledge and opinion on trending game matters. The panel discussed other potential candidates for Caitlin Clark's TIME magazine Athlete of the Year honor.
After Arenas mentioned American swimmer Katie Ledecky and LeBron James, Swoopes named Simone Biles and A'ja Wilson.
"You can put A'ja Wilson in there!" Swoopes said.
However, Arenas interrupted her and said that her choice was centered around basketball while the panel was discussing the global influence and impact of athletes this year.
