A pair of big names in women's basketball were Allisha Gray's most loyal supporters Friday night as she became the first player to win both the WNBA Skill's Challenge and 3-Point Contest.
Both Dawn Staley and A'ja Wilson were cheering specifically for Gray. Staley made sure to have both competitions on while on a flight, and Wilson sat courtside in Phoenix with a camera, making sure to capture every moment. The MVP front-runner shared her support on social media as well, including a simple message on a post announcing Gray as the winner — a simple "." Period.
Gray, Wilson and Staley share a common thread beyond their stellar basketball skills, and it stretches back before Gray and Wilson made their WNBA debuts.
What is so unique about Gray's fan club? The Sporting News has you covered with everything you need to know.
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Allisha Gray’s connection to Dawn Staley and A’ja Wilson, explained
Gray and Wilson played for Staley during South Carolina's 2016-17 women's basketball season. That year, the Gamecocks won the first of Staley's three national titles, defeating Mississippi State, 67-55.
In the championship game, Wilson and Gray combined for 41 of South Carolina's 67 points. Both of them notched point-rebound double-doubles and lit up both ends of the court under Staley's watchful eye.
Before she was a Gamecock, Gray played at North Carolina before transferring ahead of her junior season. While Wilson elected to play her senior year at South Carolina after winning the title, Gray chose to enter the WNBA draft, forgoing her final season of college ball.
With Gray playing a starring role at the WNBA Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest, Staley and Wilson blasted their support for Gray across their social feeds.
Watching @Graytness_15 win the @wnba skills challenge AND the 3pt challenge!! @aflac we are going to save some trees so one check please!🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/hy6eA7mi3c
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) July 20, 2024
Lish with the sweep! @WNBA champ of the skills challenge and the 3pt challenge. When “it’s a possibility” becomes a reality! I see you @Graytness_15!! @aflac one check please! 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/XMY8MfkgBg
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) July 20, 2024
LETS F**KING GO LISH!!! GET THAT BAG!!!
— A'ja Wilson (@_ajawilson22) July 20, 2024
I’m so happy for Lish man OMG! I’m not paying for another dinner my friend a shootah pic.twitter.com/DYylTgVcm3
— A'ja Wilson (@_ajawilson22) July 20, 2024
MORE: Allisha Gray wins 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge
2016-2017 South Carolina women's basketball roster
| Number | Player | Position |
| 0 | Victoria Patrick | Guard |
| 1 | Bianca Cuevas-Moore | Guard |
| 3 | Kaela Davis | Guard |
| 4 | Doniyah Cliney | Guard |
| 10 | Allisha Gray | Guard |
| 12 | Araion Bradshaw | Guard |
| 15 | Tiffany Davis | Guard |
| 21 | Mikiah Herbert Harrigan | Forward |
| 22 | A'ja Wilson | Forward |
| 35 | Alexis Jennings | Forward |
| 41 | Alaina Coates | Center |
| 52 | Tyasha Harris | Guard |
MORE: Key stats in WNBA ROY race between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese
Allisha Gray stats
2024 WNBA
- Games played: 24
- Points per game: 15.5
- Rebounds per game: 4.1
- Assists per game: 2.5
- Steals per game: 0.9
- Blocks per game: 0.6
- Turnovers per game: 1.9
- Field goal percentage: 42.3%
- Three-point percentage: 36%
- Free throw percentage: 77%
2016-2017 South Carolina
- Games played: 37
- Points per game: 13.2
- Rebounds per game: 5.0
- Assists per game: 2.5
- Steals per game: 1.3
- Blocks per game: 0.9
- Turnovers per game: 1.9
- Field goal percentage: 51%
- Three-point percentage: 31.6%
- Free throw percentage: 73.5%
