A’ja Wilson Praises No. 1 Recruit Oliviyah Edwards: “She’ll Bring More Than Expected to South Carolina Women’s Basketball”
South Carolina women’s basketball just received a monumental stamp of approval from one of its greatest legends. A’ja Wilson, the Gamecocks’ all-time leading scorer and a WNBA superstar, has shared high praise for Oliviyah Edwards — the No. 1-ranked American recruit in the class of 2026 — calling her “the kind of player who will bring more than expected” to the already-stacked program in Columbia.
Edwards, a dominant five-star forward with an elite two-way game, committed to Dawn Staley’s South Carolina squad earlier this year in a move that shook up the recruiting landscape. Now, the hype surrounding her potential has reached another level with Wilson weighing in.
“I’ve been watching Oliviyah play and let me tell you — she’s got it,” Wilson said during a recent interview. “She’s going to bring more than expected, not just in numbers but in energy, leadership, and versatility. She’s the kind of player who can change the game on both ends.”
Known for her fierce defense, fluid footwork, and an expanding offensive arsenal, Edwards has drawn comparisons to Wilson herself — and it’s not just because of their similar positions. Edwards plays with a poise and physicality rarely seen in players her age, and her decision to join South Carolina feels like destiny for a program that thrives on toughness, talent, and team-first mentality.
“She fits the culture that Coach Staley has built,” Wilson said. “She’s humble but hungry. She’ll rebound, she’ll run the floor, she’ll defend like crazy, and she’s only going to get better. That’s scary for the rest of the country.”
Wilson, who helped deliver South Carolina’s first national championship in 2017, is widely credited with helping turn the Gamecocks into a perennial powerhouse. Now, she sees Edwards as the next in line to continue that tradition of excellence.
“South Carolina is special — it’s where champions grow,” Wilson added. “And Oliviyah? She’s got the tools to be one of the best to ever wear the garnet and black.”
With the Gamecocks continuing to dominate in recruiting and on the court, the addition of Edwards only reinforces South Carolina’s position as the gold standard in women’s college basketball. And with the support of legends like A’ja Wilson behind her, the future for Oliviyah Edwards looks as bright as ever.
“She’s not just the future,” Wilson said. “She’s the now. Get ready, y’all — Columbia’s about to witness something special.”
