Aces’Wilson earns player of the year honors with ease
A’ja Wilson has been the cornerstone of the LasVegas franchise since she was drafted and took her game to another level this season, earning her The Associated Press WNBA player of the year honors.
The former No. 1 overall pick three years ago led the Aces to an 18-4 record during the shortenedseasonandthe top seed in the WNBA playoffs that began Tuesday in Bradenton, Florida.
“Sheknowswhosheis, she knows where she’s going,” said Las Vegas coach Bill Laimbeer. “She knows that she’s in charge, and she’s responsible for our team. She has taken this upon her shoulders.”
Wilson averaged 20.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and two blocks this year for the Aces and views herself as a more all-around player now.
“I feel like I’m amore complete playernowthanwhen I first got into the league,” Wilson said in an online interview. “Evenwhen Imay not be shooting the ball well, I can find other ways to help my team win.”
The 6-foot-4Wilson, who turned 24 last month, was selected by the 16-member mediapanel that votesonthe weekly AP power poll. She received 11 votes. Seattle’s Breanna Stewart was second with four. It’s the fifth season that the AP panel has selected postseason award winners.
Candace Parker edged Alyssa Thomas and Alysha Clark for defensive player of the year honors. Parker, in her 13th season, received five votes. Thomas and Clark each had four.
“When I made my decision to come to IMG this season, my focus was onworking hard every day to help put our team in a position to win a championship. For us, that starts with defending at a high level and closing defensive possessions with a rebound,” Parker said. “Overall, our teamhas been able to do that and I’m honored to be recognized for my role on that end of the floor. The award is a testament tomy teammates executing on defense and our entire coaching staff.”