A’ja Wilson Speaks Out After South Carolina’s Crushing Title Loss to UConn—A Candid Reflection on Pain, Pride, and Paige Bueckers’ Greatness
The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship brought with it a long-anticipated rematch between South Carolina and UConn, two powerhouse programs who last faced each other in the title game in 2022. That year, Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks made history by becoming the first team to defeat Geno Auriemma in a championship match. But on April 13, 2025, the script flipped completely. UConn, led by an unstoppable trio, crushed South Carolina 82–59 and claimed their 12th national title—leaving the Gamecocks stunned and fans across the country reeling.
In the aftermath of the loss, South Carolina alum and current Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson broke her silence with a series of heartfelt posts on Threads. As a former Gamecock legend and one of the program’s most respected voices, Wilson’s words resonated deeply with the college basketball community. She didn’t shy away from the pain. But she also didn’t hold back in showing respect—especially for UConn star Paige Bueckers.
Light-Hearted Shade Meets Honest Praise
Wilson’s first post was aimed with love at her Aces teammate and UConn alum, Kiah Stokes. “I know Kiah loves me so I’m not worried. UConn big three was eating all tourney. Congrats to the Huskies,” she wrote. The post was raw, brief, and powerfully sincere. While there was a humorous jab hidden in the message, the underlying tone was one of admiration and humility.
The “I know Kiah loves me” quip was Wilson’s playful way of bracing for the inevitable teasing from her teammate—but also a reminder of the respect between them. Her nod to UConn’s “big three”—Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and freshman sensation Sarah Strong—was a genuine salute to their dominant performance throughout the tournament. The three weren’t just good; they were unstoppable in the final. Fudd led with 24 points and earned Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors. Strong matched that with 24 points and 15 boards. Bueckers, closing out her college career, contributed 17 points and climbed to third all-time in NCAA Tournament scoring with 477 points.
Wilson added a GIF of someone pretending to vomit, not to insult UConn’s win, but to express the emotional gut-punch of watching her alma mater lose so decisively. As someone who helped build South Carolina into a national powerhouse, watching the Gamecocks fall flat in the biggest game of the year was heartbreaking. That GIF became a visual stand-in for what many Gamecock fans felt: devastation.
Respect for Paige Bueckers’ Resilience
Wilson’s next post shifted tone completely: “Paige’s journey is truly special!” In just six words, she offered a powerful endorsement of Bueckers—not just as an athlete, but as a leader and symbol of perseverance. Bueckers entered college as one of the most hyped recruits of the decade but faced a series of injuries that could’ve derailed her career. She responded not with complaints, but with quiet leadership, grit, and determination.
Despite having a quieter scoring night in the title game’s middle quarters, Bueckers still found ways to lead her team and impact the game. Her role extended far beyond scoring—she lifted others, including through her vocal support of Black women in sports. Her presence, both on and off the court, has made a lasting impression, and Wilson’s praise reflected not just respect for her play, but admiration for her character.
Loyalty Despite the Loss
In a final message, Wilson reaffirmed her unwavering support for South Carolina: “and e’YEA forever loving the cocks over here!! Great season!” It was a statement of pride in the face of pain. Though the loss was crushing, Wilson made clear that her allegiance hadn’t wavered. She applauded the team for their efforts throughout a season in which they finished 38–1—an undefeated run brought to a screeching halt in the final.
Even in defeat, Wilson’s words served to lift the spirits of the players and fans who felt crushed by the outcome. Her message reminded everyone that one game, no matter how painful, doesn’t erase a season of success or the legacy of excellence.
Dawn Staley’s Honest Reflection After the Loss
If Wilson’s posts brought emotion and perspective, Dawn Staley brought brutal honesty. Following the blowout, the South Carolina head coach didn’t sugarcoat the result. “We lost to a very good basketball team,” she said bluntly. “They beat our a–, but they didn’t make us like it—there’s a difference.”
The comment encapsulated the tone of the postgame press conference: direct, raw, and self-aware. Staley acknowledged UConn’s brilliance while refusing to let the loss define her team. South Carolina had executed a solid game plan: run UConn off the three-point line and win with physicality. Early on, it worked. The Gamecocks led the rebounding battle and stayed within striking distance. But their offense sputtered, shooting just 34% from the field and only 18% from three. The miscues piled up—missed layups, 13 turnovers, and poor shot selection—while UConn capitalized on every opportunity.
“The 3-pointers they made were momentum changing,” Staley admitted. “When it gets to double digits, it’s hard to come back on a UConn team that’s pretty great at executing.”
South Carolina’s usually strong ball-screen defense also broke down in the second half. As UConn’s trio got comfortable, the Gamecocks lost their grip on the game. “Our ball screen coverage was not as great as it was in the first two quarters,” she said. “And when you’re not making shots to keep up, that’s when the game gets away from you.”
Still, Staley—never one to dwell in defeat—found solace in her team’s effort. “Although the score may not reflect it, I thought we executed better,” she said. Even amid the worst loss of her coaching career, she stayed grounded, using the experience as a teachable moment.
The Future Remains Bright
This loss may sting for a while, but South Carolina isn’t going anywhere. Under Staley’s leadership, the Gamecocks have become a dynasty-in-the-making, and this setback will likely serve as fuel for another championship run. A’ja Wilson’s loyalty and perspective offered healing for the fanbase, while Staley’s candor reminded everyone that greatness isn’t just about wins—it’s about how you respond to adversity.
Paige Bueckers’ triumph and the Huskies’ dominance deserved every accolade. But so too did the Gamecocks’ journey—a team that fought to the final buzzer, led by a coach and alum who wear their hearts on their sleeves.
In the end, what stood out most was the honesty—from A’ja Wilson’s bittersweet pride to Dawn Staley’s straight-shooting reflection. The game was brutal. The emotions were real. And the respect—between rivals, teammates, and legends—was undeniable.
