South Carolina legend and Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson turned her Hall of Fame induction speech into one of the week’s most talked-about moments in women’s basketball.
During her induction into the University of South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame, Wilson reflected on her journey from a local standout to a four-time WNBA MVP winner. She expressed gratitude to several individuals who have supported her on the rise, including her Gamecocks coach and mentor, Dawn Staley. Her remarks were heartfelt, funny, and deeply personal, but one moment in particular sent social media into overdrive.
What Did A’ja Wilson Say About Bam Adebayo?
After thanking the college staff, her teammates, and her parents, she mentioned her “boyfriend”. The crowd erupted in laughter, and even Wilson couldn’t hold back a chuckle.
“Thank you to my boyfriend, even though you went to ‘Ken-yucky’ and you went to that royal blue school,” said Wilson, taking a subtle jab at Gamecocks’ old rivalry with Adebayo’s alma mater, Kentucky. “Thank you for the constant support, always.”
Wilson’s comment went viral on the internet, as her fans rejoiced in the confirmation of an official label on the relationship.
“It’s just something about A’ja Wilson having a “boyfriend” that turns us all into preteens. So cute!” one fan wrote. “Somebody shaking the tambourine after A’ja says “to my boyfriend…” we are so unserious as a people lmaoooo,” another said about the crowd’s reaction.
“All A’ja had to do was publicly claim him as her boyfriend,” a third said, referring to Adebayo’s impressive 24-point performance against the Memphis Grizzlies a day later. “A’ja called that man her boyfriend, and all of a sudden the Heat are playing well,” said another.
“A’ja publicly calls Bam her boyfriend, and the next night he starts the game with 18 points and 3 boards in the 1st quarter. God bless A’ja Wilson,” one more joked.
What Did Bam Adebayo Say About the “Boyfriend” Comment?
After the event, Adebayo was asked by journalist Chaz Romello what he thought of Wilson’s comments.
“I don’t know where that came from,” Adebayo joked. “I am just the favorite Olympian.” This was a witty reference to one of Wilson’s former speeches–the one she gave after South Carolina retired her jersey in February–where she referred to Adebayo as her “favorite Olympian from out of town.”
“But, great to be recognized, behind the scenes, and I’ll just keep doing what I do behind the scenes,” the Miami Heat star added.
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How Long Have A’ja Wilson and Bam Adebayo Been Dating?
The 2024 Summer Olympics is also where they were first spotted spending time together while playing for Team USA.
Despite the rumors that followed, which were further fueled by their cryptic social media posts, Wilson and Adebayo remained tight-lipped about their romance until February 2025.
“My NBA All-Star is not here,” Wilson told People during the NBA All-Star Weekend. She further revealed that he was “getting the rest he needs” during the break, and that’s the best Valentine’s gift that I can truly give him: just the rest.”
Adebayo was seen sporting Wilson’s pink A’One sneakers during a February 7 game against the Brooklyn Nets, and they are often spotted at each other’s games. In September, Adebayo surprised Wilson by walking in with her record-setting fourth WNBA MVP trophy.
