Picture this: a rising basketball sensation, just 19 years old, poised to shatter records in the WNBA by becoming the first non-U.S.-born player drafted number one overall since Lauren Jackson joined the Storm in 2001. But here's the kicker—her idol choice is one that screams 'excellence' and might just spark a debate on who truly reigns supreme in women's basketball. Meet Awa Fam, the top international prospect eyeing the 2026 WNBA draft, and let's dive into why her pick is anything but surprising.
Awa Fam has been grinding it out professionally in Spain since she was just 15, honing her skills against top-tier competition. Now, she's gearing up for the ultimate leap: stepping into the WNBA, the pinnacle of women's professional basketball in the U.S., where she'll face off against the globe's best talents. It's been her dream for years, and she's kept a keen eye on the league's stars, always watching closely to learn from the pros.
In a recent chat with Hunter Cruse, Fam opened up about her favorite player to cheer on—and her answer was spot-on predictable. 'Of course, A'ja Wilson,' she shared in the interview. 'I love her. I love her vibe off the court…She can do all things. She can shoot, she can defend, she can do amazing blocks, she helps her teammates a lot. She takes a lot of responsibility, and when I was seeing the last playoffs and I saw her, I would love to play like her.' It's easy to see why Wilson resonates with Fam; her off-court energy, that winning attitude, pairs perfectly with her on-court dominance.
And this is the part most people miss: A'ja Wilson isn't just a star—she's a blueprint for aspiring big women in basketball, especially those playing in the post position (that's the area near the basket where taller players often score and defend). At just 29, Wilson has racked up achievements that read like a hall-of-fame script: three WNBA championships, two Finals MVPs, a staggering four regular-season MVPs (a record!), three Defensive Player of the Year titles, a Commissioner’s Cup win, seven All-Star nods, five All-WNBA First Team selections, and four All-Defensive First Team honors. After eight seasons, she's not only a four-time MVP but also on track to be crowned the WNBA's greatest of all time (GOAT). Think about it—she's versatile enough to dominate in the paint with powerful shots, stretch out for mid-range jumpers or even threes, grab rebounds like a pro, and anchor defenses with her blocking prowess. For beginners wondering what makes her so special, imagine a player who can score from anywhere on the court while also being a team leader who lifts everyone around her.
Now, here's where it gets controversial: with the WNBA evolving and new talents like Caitlin Clark emerging, is Wilson already the undisputed GOAT, or should we wait and see how the league shapes up? Fam's admiration highlights this, as she's part of the new wave of players young enough to have grown up watching Wilson's rise. Born in 2006, Fam was about 12 when Wilson debuted in 2018, witnessing her transformation into the league's superstar. Fam couldn't have chosen a better role model—Wilson's dedication to her craft, her fluidity in movement, and her all-around versatility are traits Fam mirrors, making her a natural fit to carry that torch forward.
What do you think? Is A'ja Wilson the ultimate example for young post players, or do you see room for debate in her GOAT status? Do you agree with Fam's choice, or is there another WNBA star you'd idolize for her journey? Share your opinions in the comments—we'd love to hear what sparks your passion in women's basketball!
