Likely Aces pick bids farewell to college

Editor’s note: South Carolina star A’ja Wilson is chronicling her path from the end of her college career to the start of her WNBA career, including getting drafted. She is expected to be taken by the Aces with the No. 1 overall pick on Thursday.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Wow, it’s been quite a great journey at South Carolina.

It was a fitting end to my college career being able to share the Naismith Trophy with the fans Monday night, knowing that this is the last time I’ll be around here until I graduate in May. It was really special to be with the fans one more time, but also I know it’s goodbye for now as I head to New York later this week for the WNBA draft .

Looking back at the last few weeks since we lost in the Elite Eight to Uconn, I haven’t really had time to process it all. I’ve been at the Final Four, in Los Angeles and prepped for the draft. Yet what’s been stuck in my mind is that the incredible ride we have had here at South Carolina is over.

The only plus out of not playing in Columbus this year was that I was able to take a step back from it all and see some of the things that I didn’t get a chance to experience last year when we won the national championship.

One thing that I will always remember is sitting in the USBWA award ceremony at the Final Four. I was really touched hearing Lauren Hill’s parents share her story when they awarded the Pat Summitt Most Courageous award to Saint Joseph’s guard Avery Marz. To hear how special it was for Lauren and Avery to play basketball meant a lot to me. I didn’t know Lauren personally, but we both wore No. 22, and I will always feel connected to her because of that.

I’ve gotten to know Avery a bit, and I follow her on Instagram. She’s a phenomenal woman, and her returning from a stroke put a lot of things in perspective.

As much as I really wanted to be playing in the Final Four, there was something nice about sitting back and actually watching the games. And what a Final Four it was. Those games were incredible. To be around the fans and see Kobe Bryant and see those shots that Arike Ogunbowale hit, definitely made it one to remember.

I hope we can bring some of that excitement to the WNBA.