Aces' A'ja Wilson explains why she skipped FIBA Women's World Cup - USA Today
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson did not play in the FIBA Women's World Cup, and she recently explained why, after some criticism about the decision.
"It was a major decision. I don't think it was necessarily even getting ready for the postseason. It was just taking care of my body and what I need to do," Wilson said Tuesday as the Aces prepared for the team's four remaining regular-season games and the postseason.
"This ball's gonna stop bouncing eventually, and I wanna at least make sure I feel good in that. So, I don't think I was thinking too much of like, 'Oh, gotta get ready for playoffs.' It was more so like, 'I just don't feel well,' and if I can't give myself a hundred percent, I feel like I rob not only my teammates, but that uniform, that USA uniform. So I didn't wanna do that."
Team USA announced Monday, Aug. 31, Wilson and Phoenix Mercury guard Kelsey Plum would not join the team in Berlin, Germany for the tournament, citing health reasons. Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen and guard Sonia Citron replaced Wilson and Plum.
“She's needed some time, obviously,” Aces coach Becky Hamon told USA TODAY on Wednesday, Sept. 9. “I still think she's dealing with some back stuff. Some days it's a little sorer than others.”
Wilson, 30, appeared on the Aces’ injury report with a back injury twice the week before the announcement. Before that, she missed the Aces’ 93-85 loss to the New York Liberty in the Commissioner's Cup Championship with a right leg injury. Wilson also missed games against the Chicago Sky (July 3) and Indiana Fever (July 5).
With Wilson’s official withdrawal from the World Cup coming close to tipoff, some speculated about Wilson's decision. Former ESPN host Linda Cohn suggested Wilson's absence stemmed from “insecurity” rather than health issues.
“Is there any part of A'ja that didn't want to spend the next couple of weeks watching the World Cup become the Caitlin Clark show?" Cohn said. "Could there be some insecurity, dare I say? ... If Aja Wilson has a back injury, then why did she play over 30 minutes a game in six of her last seven games and over 27 minutes in the other?”
Cohn's comments sparked a larger discussion, prompting Martin Luther King Jr.'s daughter, Bernice, to respond.
"Linda Cohn owes A'ja Wilson a public apology and a retraction," King said. "What disappointing, delusional, and dangerous commentary targeting a great ambassador and GOAT athlete for the @wnba and for sports. Period."
Hammon didn't appear to be familiar with the comments, but chimed in.
“A'ja has every right to do what she feels is best healthwise. And the other thing is, the men do this all the time,” Hammon told USA TODAY Sports. “Can you name me any of the men's world championship rosters right now? Can you name me any person on there? What I’m saying is, LeBron (James) and those guys — if this was a man making this decision, there would be nothing to say. And that's my problem.”
During Tuesday's Aces practice, Hammon doubled down on her support for Wilson.
"I trust her feel. I never question her judgment," Hammon said. "I know the USA decision weighed heavy on her, and I know she wanted to be over there ... She gave them ample time to get that replacement in there. I think this bodes well for her and for us, but she knows her body better than anybody, so I always trust her feel and instinct on that."
