Amanda Knapp
There are several notable basketball players with the last name Wilson, including A'ja Wilson, Ben Wilson, Jalen Wilson, and D.J. Wilson. A'ja Wilson is a professional basketball player who has won several WNBA MVP awards and two Olympic gold medals. Ben Wilson was a promising high school basketball player who was tragically killed in a shooting in 1984. Jalen Wilson plays for the Brooklyn Nets, and D.J. Wilson is an American professional basketball player for the Shanghai Sharks.
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What You'll Learn
A'ja Wilson, WNBA player and Olympic gold medalist
A'ja Riyadh Wilson is an American professional basketball player for the Las Vegas Aces of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Wilson was born on August 8, 1996, to Roscoe Jr. and Eva Wilson. She was named after her father's favourite song, "Aja" by Steely Dan. Wilson's middle name, Riyadh, was inspired by the Saudi capital, where her maternal aunt was deployed during Operation Desert Storm. Wilson's father, Roscoe Wilson Jr., played college basketball at Benedict College and professionally in Europe for 10 seasons. Wilson's brother, Renaldo, also played professional basketball overseas.
Wilson played for the South Carolina Gamecocks in college, leading the team to their first NCAA Women's Basketball Championship in 2017. In 2018, she won a record third straight SEC Player of the Year award, leading South Carolina to a record fourth straight SEC Tournament Championship. In the 2018 WNBA draft, Wilson was drafted first overall by the Las Vegas Aces. In her debut, she scored 14 points and had 10 rebounds in a loss to the Connecticut Sun. Wilson was voted into the 2018 WNBA All-Star Game and was named the WNBA Rookie of the Year. In 2020, Wilson won her first WNBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award with the Aces. She led the Aces to their first franchise title in 2022, earning Finals MVP honours. Wilson became the Aces' all-time leading scorer on July 7, 2024, in a game against the Dallas Wings.
Wilson has also represented the United States women's national basketball team internationally. She won gold medals at the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympics, as well as at the 2022 and 2026 World Cups. In the 2020 Summer Olympics, Wilson was named to FIBA's All-Star Five team. In addition to her athletic achievements, Wilson established the A'ja Wilson Foundation in 2019, which advocates for anti-bullying and education about dyslexia. She is also a member of the WNBA Social Justice Council.
Wilson has signed several notable endorsement deals, including with Mountain Dew in 2018, becoming the first female basketball player to do so. She has also partnered with brands like Ruffles and Gatorade, releasing signature products and featuring in ad campaigns. Wilson is currently in a relationship with Miami Heat centre Bam Adebayo.
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Ben Wilson, played for Simeon and was shot in 1984
Benjamin Wilson Jr., known as "Benji", was a high school basketball player from Chicago, Illinois. He played for Neal F. Simeon Vocational High School and was regarded as the top high school player in the US by scouts and coaches attending the 1984 Athletes For Better Education basketball camp.
On November 20, 1984, Wilson decided to talk to his girlfriend, Jetun Rush, during lunch instead of eating with his teammates. The couple had a son, Brandon, born in September 1984, but Rush would not let Wilson see their child. Wilson followed Rush as she walked up the street outside Simeon, and they began to argue. Two students from nearby Calumet High School, Billy Moore and Omar Dixon, were outside the Simeon campus with a gun, looking to avenge Moore's cousin, who had allegedly been robbed of $10 by a Simeon student. Moore and Dixon followed Wilson's classmate, Erica Murphy, to a luncheonette on South Vincennes Avenue, where they waited outside. Wilson inadvertently bumped into Moore, and an argument ensued, leading to Moore drawing a pistol and shooting Wilson twice. One bullet struck Wilson's groin, while the other hit his abdomen, causing significant internal bleeding. Wilson was taken to St. Bernard Hospital, where he died on November 21, 1984, due to his injuries.
Wilson's death shocked and devastated his family, friends, and classmates. Simeon's basketball team was informed of Wilson's condition as it worsened throughout the day, and they ultimately learned that he had passed away. Despite the tragedy, the team chose to play their season opener later that day against Evanston Township, and they won. Wilson's funeral was held on November 24, 1984, and he was mourned by many.
Wilson's jersey number, 25, has been retired by Simeon and worn by several players as a tribute to him. His legacy continues to be honoured, and he is remembered as a talented basketball player whose life was tragically cut short.
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Jalen Wilson, plays for the Brooklyn Nets
Jalen Wilson is a professional basketball player who currently plays for the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA. Wilson was selected by the Nets with the 51st overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NBA draft. On July 5, 2023, he signed a two-way contract with the Nets, and on March 1, 2024, the team converted his contract to a standard multi-year NBA deal.
Before joining the NBA, Wilson played college basketball at the University of Kansas. As a freshman, he averaged 11.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, earning Big 12 All-Freshman Team honors. In his sophomore year, Wilson averaged 11.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, helping the Jayhawks win a national championship.
Wilson's journey to the NBA included a few setbacks. On November 8, 2019, he suffered a broken ankle in just his second career game, causing him to miss the rest of the season. Wilson also encountered off-court issues, including a suspension for three games during his time at Kansas due to an arrest on suspicion of DUI.
Despite these challenges, Wilson persevered and eventually secured a spot in the NBA with the Brooklyn Nets. He has shown promise with the team, recording impressive performances such as 18 points, four rebounds, and four assists in a game against the Knicks, and 20 points, four rebounds, three assists, and one steal against the Hawks.
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D. J. Wilson, plays for the Shanghai Sharks
D. J. Wilson, born DeVante Jaylen Wilson, is an American professional basketball player for the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Wilson attended Capital Christian School in Sacramento, California, where he endured a fifth lumbar vertebra stress fracture, sidelining him during part of his junior season. By June 2013, he had recovered enough to tally 22 points and 8 rebounds at a California Golden Bears camp event. He then went on to play college basketball for the Michigan Wolverines, signing his National Letter of Intent on November 13, 2013. Wilson was drafted 17th overall in the 2017 NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, where he played for four seasons before being traded to the Houston Rockets in March 2021.
Wilson had a successful college basketball career with the Wolverines. During the 2014–15 season, he underwent surgery on his little finger, causing him to miss some games. However, he still managed to make a significant impact on the court. In the 2015–16 season, he appeared in 26 games, showcasing his talent and contributing to key wins. In January 2016, he posted a career-high 28 points and 14 rebounds against Iowa, despite an overtime loss. Wilson continued to excel, posting impressive numbers against Minnesota and Purdue, and helping Michigan defeat Youngstown State by a significant margin in December 2015.
Wilson's talent was recognised early on, and he was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft. He spent four seasons with the Bucks before being traded to the Houston Rockets in March 2021. Wilson's journey then took him to the Lakeland Magic, where he didn't play, and he subsequently signed with the Orlando Magic and later joined the Osceola Magic. On March 24, 2024, he signed a 10-day contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, followed by a return to Osceola.
In September 2024, Wilson made the move to the Shanghai Sharks, signing with them and joining the Chinese Basketball Association. Standing at 6 feet 10 inches tall, Wilson brings his talent and experience to the court as a forward, contributing to the success of his new team in the CBA.
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Wilson Sporting Goods, sells basketballs
Wilson Sporting Goods sells basketballs and other sports equipment. The company offers a range of basketballs suitable for players of all levels, from beginners to professionals. Wilson basketballs are known for their durability and performance, trusted by top players worldwide.
The Wilson basketball range includes indoor and outdoor balls, official game balls, and balls designed for specific playing environments. For example, their indoor basketballs are crafted for optimal performance on smooth, polished gym floors, while their outdoor balls are made with durable materials to withstand rough surfaces like concrete or asphalt.
Wilson Sporting Goods also provides basketball accessories, such as ball pumps, carry bags, and ball racks. They cater to individual players, teams, schools, and sports organizations, ensuring that everyone can access the equipment they need for the sport.
The company is committed to innovation and often collaborates with basketball governing bodies to improve the game experience. They work closely with organizations to ensure their balls meet the standards for official competitions, making Wilson basketballs the preferred choice for many leagues and tournaments.
Wilson Sporting Goods is an authorized retailer of sports equipment, including basketballs. They are known for their quality products, and their basketballs are widely recognized for their superior performance, durability, and feel.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are several basketball players with the surname Wilson, including A'ja Wilson, Ben Wilson, Jalen Wilson, and D.J. Wilson.
A'ja Wilson is a center for the Las Vegas Aces. She has also played for the US women's national basketball team, with whom she has won two Olympic gold medals.
Ben Wilson played for Simeon and was regarded as the best junior in the country during the 1983-84 season by ESPN HS.
D.J. Wilson was drafted 17th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2017 NBA draft.
