Two South Carolina basketball icons make "50 Most Influential Figures in Sports" list

This week, Sports Illustrated released its list of "The 50 Most Influential Figures in Sports," and two South Carolina basketball icons cracked the list.

With brief biographical tributes included from Sports Illustrated writers, athletes and other sports figures were honored as the individuals with the biggest spheres of influence in athletics.

Gamecock head coach Dawn Staley was included in the list's "Icons and Leaders" section. According to SI's women's sports associate editor Clare Brennan, Staley was an obvious choice for the list as one of the most prominent names in women's basketball throughout the last 35 years. As one of the best college players, professional players, and college coaches of all-time Staley also leads the sports' current dynasty. Her inclusion was a no-brainer.

A'ja Wilson, the greatest player in the storied history of the South Carolina basketball program, is quickly making a legitimate claim as the future GOAT of all women's basketball. Making Sports Illustrated's list in the "Athletes" section, Wilson is the unquestioned best player in the world right now, and she is in the midst of completing the best season women's professional basketball has ever seen. She also has a signature Nike shoe coming out, is a cover athlete on the new 2K video game, and is a New York Times Best Seller.

Sports Illustrated's list only includes one other women's basketball program with multiple names making the list of 50. The rival LSU Tigers are the other as former star forward Angel Reese and current guard Flau'jae Johnson both found themselves included.

Earlier this year, Time Magazine included A'ja Wilson on their "100 Most Influential People of 2024" list, and Dawn Staley was honored at the 2024 ESPY Awards as the winner of the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance as an influential sports figure in the fight against cancer.