The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Draymond Green Show - A'ja Wilson

Episode Date: February 1, 2024

A’ja Wilson joins The Draymond Green Show to discuss her college coach Dawn Staley, getting snubbed for the MVP last season, why she doesn’t feel the Las Vegas Aces are a superteam, mentorship from Candace Parker, why she doesn’t want to lower the WNBA rims, her rivalry with Breanna Stewart, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark helping grow the game, her WNBA Mount Rushmore, and more. 3:00 Coach Dawn Staley 16:00 MVP snub 19:00 Superteam talk 25:00 Growth of the WNBA 38:00 Rivalry w/ Stewie 43:00 Mount Rushmore Produced by: Jackson Safon #Volume #HerdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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But I'm going to go with the introduction anyway because this list of Accula hates. It's crazy. And so I'd be remiss if I don't run down them. So let me get through them real quick. Two-time W-N-B-A champion, W-N-A Finals MVP, two-time W-N-B-A MVP, two-time W-N-B-A defensive player of the year, five-time W-N-B-A-all-Star,

three-time-aw-W-N-B-A first team, two-time all-W-N-BIA second team, two-time, all-defensive first team, one-time defensive second team, 2022 Fibre World Cup MVP NCAA champion 2017, three-time Consensus First Team All-American

three-time SEC player of the year an Olympic gold medalist in 2020 none other I myself call her MVP you should also refer to her as MVP Asia Wilson welcome to the Draymond Green show thank you for coming on Yes, thank you for having me.

That was, you could have stopped that pro. You went. You went out. That's cool. Well, I see, so there's a few people that have come on this show, and they don't necessarily have NBA championships, but they have college championships. And what they quickly find out is, I am very upset and jealous and envious of them about their college championships because I did not win one.

So you should feel that hate, too. Because I personally myself still wish I had a college championship, and I really would give one of my NBA championship rings for that. Really? I would. One shine the moment, I can never hear that again. Like, every time I hear that song, it takes me back to Coach Zos. Every year he'd have a speech, and he's like,

gosh, you really want to one-shone the moment. Like, it's nothing like hearing that song. So now every time I hear it, I can only. think of not winning a championship. That's dramatic, yeah. Very much so. Needless to say, for you, you grew up in South Carolina

and then ended up going to University of South Carolina. Walk me through that decision. South Carolina was not the powerhouse that it is now when you decided to go there. What led you and kind of leading that leading the torch and being the first one. Yeah, it was, yeah,

South Carolina obviously was not what they were today. I think they made it to a Sweet 16 before, so they weren't, it was kind of familiar, but it wasn't there yet. Like, it was taking it to another level. And it's crazy because I remember listening

to Coach Daley's Hall of Fame speech, and she was speaking, and she may have a point where she was like, like, to my players, just stay with me. Like, we're going to get it done. And I was just like, and at the time, I was getting recruited, and I was just like, oh, like,

that actually could happen. And I always say, like, Coach Daly could be anywhere, and I would still go to play with her. She just so happened to be in South Carolina. But, I mean, I just kind of looked at South Carolina as a place and Coach Daly as a person. I was like, that could tell me the good, the bad, the ugly, everything that goes on being a black woman in the collegiate world. So I was like, what better person to coach me than someone that's been through it? And that was really my decision. I wanted to go to other schools for the boys.

So my head wasn't really in the good place that it needed to be in. I was thinking like a 16-year-old instead of like longevity. So, yeah, that's when South Carolina was just it. And then we just kind of took the world by a storm. And it was a crazy, crazy four years, but I enjoyed it. Now, that's incredible. And how did that relationship with Coach Daly starts? Obviously, she's at the University of South Carolina.

But you said, you just said yourself, if she wasn't there, wherever she was, I would have gone there. So just how did that, how did you end up getting so close with Coach Daly in the first place? choice. Coach Staley was like, you know, in the AAU circuits, we didn't have the big like EYBL teams. We were just like kind of the team that was just making it. Like we had fresh fries, like fish fries, car washes. We were just trying to get money. And we weren't the best team. Like, we didn't have all the great talent. So it was very scarce when coaches would come around. But in the early parts of my recruitment, Coach Staley was just always in the gym just watching me. It's like she knew that I had potential and was just waiting for me to figure it out. And like that

loyalty there was something that I really could ever, like I could never shake because I'm like, this woman has been with me from rock bottom. Like in gym, he was the only coach at a D1 level there. And so that just kind of grew. And I had an opportunity to be coached by her before I even got to Sar Carolina for the Olympics.

And like, she was just honest. Her honesty and her loyalty was really that stuck, like, just stuck with me. And it didn't shift when we got to college. Like, you know, they're going to say anything when they're recruiting you. They got the best facility. But like, when we got on campus, So I was like, no, she's, she didn't promise me I was going to start. She didn't promise me that I was going to be this big, big thing.

She would just like, come here and work and we can get some stuff done. So that right there, I was like, all right, I'm downed. And so until this day, like she still is like the homie for sure. That's incredible. I think, in hearing that, I think Coach Staley took a book out of Coach K's playbook, and which is coaching the junior Olympic team. And in turn, she ends up coaching arguably the greatest. woman to ever play college basketball.

And I watched Coach K do that for years where he was coaching the national team, but he had all of his guys coaching the younger teams, CIPA was coaching the younger team, all these guys, and just pulling in recruits to Duke. So I thought that was an interesting one. Yeah. Growing up in South Carolina, and I'd be remissed about it, is because I wonder, I'm very good friends, one of my vets,

Jermaine O'Neill, who's obviously from the state. of South Carolina. And, man, y'all had a Confederate flag up like six years ago still. And how was that for you as a young black girl growing up in that state, being a prodigy and a superstar basketball player, but you ride up the street and it's a Confederate flag wave. And how was that? It was a very different feeling. It was something that I probably didn't really notice until I got older, where I was like,

this is, they don't like us. Like, I, like, and it also was a feeling where I was like, you only kind of pay me attention because I'm wearing South Carolina on my chest, because I'm dribbling that basketball. But once I take that uniform all, who am I to you? And that right there was really hard figuring out growing up. But of course, my parents were like, be you and do that. But it was very different. And especially just growing up, I went to private school.

So it was like maybe 10% black. to say that and then maybe like 3% of like black women. So all I knew was white. All my friends was white and everything. Like my only thing that I got black or culture wise was AAU. And even then they were like, oh, you're just an Oreo. You just want to be a white girl. You want to do.

And like, it was hard for me to like figure out who I was because I'm like, I'm surrounded by white people when I go to school. So of course I'm going to talk a certain way or try to be a certain way because that's all I see. But then when I'm around my AAU teammates and I'm like, that's, me, I see myself, I can be myself, it seems like I'm, I don't know who I am. So it's very, very hard just growing up in that. And we all kind of have a story where it's like, it just didn't feel right. Like my gut didn't feel right. But as I got older and as I went to the University of South Carolina, I found me and I was like, listen, you're going to have to like me, love me.

I don't care. I'm going to be me through it all. And that's kind of what I've just been sticking by. But it's definitely been difficult to kind of, especially see the flag waving over our state house. It was just very weird. It's crazy. So in saying that, February 6th, Dear Black Girls, how to be true to you. Well, should we expect to hear some of that journey about growing up in South Carolina

in your upcoming book? 100%. I think it's probably within the first two chapters. I kind of hit you in the face with it because I'm like, this needs to be said. Things shouldn't get swept underneath the rug, especially in the society that we're in. Like, the black woman already gets that.

So why not bring it to life? and why not showcase and let people know that, yes, we all go through it, but this is how we can get through it. And I had tons of fun writing this book because I felt like it was very relatable. A lot of people, particularly the black woman, we go through a lot of the same things. And I think people kind of see me as someone that goes through something different because I'm a professional athlete. But it's like at the end of the day, once I take that uniform off, I am still a black woman trying to survive in this world. And I know it says, dear black girls, but it's really for everyone. And it's a gym for everybody.

And I had tons of fun writing it. It's so real to me. So hopefully people can understand that when they're reading. Now, that's amazing. I'm excited to check it out. Future New York Time bestseller on the list of all these other accolades. We just shouted out. So I'm definitely looking forward to that.

I'm also starting the process of actually writing my own book. And so that's a challenge in itself. So much respect to you on having that already done because it is not easy. Very time-consuming amongst an already busy schedule, so I get it. And congratulations, and also good luck on the release. I think it'll be great. Thank you. Thank you.

Have you now statue outside of the arena, which all of us only hope to get. So number one, congratulations on that again. But with that, and now, you know, being the legend that you are, do you feel like some of that has now changed in the state due to your success, coached state success, Alicia Gray's success, all the success that you all have had coming out of South Carolina, do you think that's changed some of that now? And when you return home and how you're greeted and the things that people say, obviously you're going to be greeted differently than the young black girls that's there now,

but do you think it's changed some? Um, part of me wants to say yes. I do want to believe that. But at the same time, you never really know people's true intentions. And you know, you always feel like that there's this underlying like, not microaggression, but it's kind of like micromanaging a little bit. Like, okay, like you just liking me a little bit because I'm doing this for you or you're getting something out of me. But I think the way that Coach Daley has changed the culture of basketball, women's basketball in South Carolina has been incredible to watch. I mean, we have gone from literally a place where you could talk to your friend in the next section across the arena. That's how empty it was to now it's like lower bowl is all season ticket holders. So I think the growth of that and letting them see us in getting a whole of us and seeing that we're tangible role models definitely has changed the approach that they have, probably two black women particularly. And I think we've got to give high praises to coach Daly in that because she made it comfortable enough for people to and make it a safe space to where they can see us and see that we're bigger than just basketball players. And Coach Staley has done a great job with the program.

Obviously, you being the player to really spearhead and take that thing off. Is it ultimately a goal of yours to one day replace her when she's done there? You're done with your career to go back there or possibly be the Coach of the University of South Carolina? No, Trey. I cannot coach. I would never see myself coaching because I could never coach a meet. Like, I gave Coach Daley hell, like 100%. And I think in Asia Wilson for four years,

I would have a lot more gray hairs than what she has. So, yeah, no, I'm not even going to put that stress on me. No, absolutely. I barely like to talk in timeouts, let alone having to coach through one. So, yeah, no, I'm good. She got it. She got it.

What can we expect from you when you're done playing? I think this is always, and obviously you're so young in your career, you've got long ways to go. But I always think this is an interesting topic on hearing what people kind of have in store for themselves after we're playing. So many people get caught up into like the noun, but the reality is basketball is a very short window in our lives. And you've got another 40 years, 50 years after that to live. What should we expect when it's all said and done of what we'll see from Asia once basketball is over? Oh, my goodness.

I really want to get into the youth community. I really want to like, when I see all these big, like, A, you circuits and different things that these young girls are going to to help develop them to go to the next level. I want to dive into that area because I feel like that is, that's the seed. That's the seed that we plant. Like, it's kind of late when you get into college. I mean, you can kind of do it. But if you're not in a good system and have a good coach, it's kind of hard. But it's like if we can get middle school girls to stay in sports to grow with the game, to love the game, and see it from a person that's big.

at that level because I was trashed when I started. Like, I was horrible, barely even got playing time. And I think if they see that for me and hear that for me and see works and having accessibility like to different things, that's kind of my heart. And that's my goal. It's just to help the next, the youth, particularly the young black girls, stay in sports and know that they can be themselves and have fun while doing it. Dear black girls, I am committing to 100 books.

I'm going to buy 100 books when this book. release on the 6th and Asia and Clutch's team is going to figure out what black girls this book should go to. Now, I think it should go to all young girls, but I am making a commitment to make sure we get this book in the hands of some young black girls. I know how hard it can be to get books, especially coming from places like we come from. So that is my commitment to the book. I'm doing that.

And we're going to figure out a way to get this book in the hands. of some young black girls. And speaking of basketball, though, let's get into that. Obviously, I am a huge fan of your career, my MVP. Thought you got a little slighted last year, went and backed that up with a championship for those of y'all that don't think I'm the MVP, then let's just talk about it.

And getting into that, though, you don't win MVP last year, which I thought you probably should have won MVP last year. How did that, how did that, feel number one and then spark you going into the playoffs to make the run and have the playoff stretch that you did yeah that hurt that that hurt me to the core actually i don't think i've ever felt that low in my career uh honestly because it's just i really felt like i guess my thing was okay if i didn't get it but that fourth place like being third and fourth

really like that really like that is what did it like not getting it i was like man i got to charge to the game, you know, I get voters fatigue, whatever you want to say, cool. But being third and fourth was like, absolutely not. Like, it struck my core. I was like, no, they are playing with me at this point. And I mean, it just kind of, it honestly did fuel me. And I think it fueled like, my team as well. Like, we were just like, now, wait a minute. Like, we've been disrespected probably throughout this whole season. They already said super teams. They called us a super team. And we're like, we're literally playing on one leg. But okay. And I think it just kind of fueled us in a way that was like, how are we the number one seed and still the underdogs?

Like, y'all really just don't believe in us ever. And that's okay, because now we have to continue to prove to y'all why we're the number one team. And, like, I was excited. Like, I was so ready to get back on court because I was like, all right, it's time to play now. Like, that's out the way. Y'all voted. Now, let's play the game. Let me prove to y'all why I felt like I deserve something better than third and fourth. So, yeah, that kind of shook me a little bit. And speaking of super teams, obviously I've been a part of one. Which, I mean, I still question whether I was a part of a super team, be that our team was so homegrown.

Like, yes, Katie did come on a team, but it was a homegrown team. And I feel like y'all were the same way. Like, yeah, Kelsey may not have been drafted there or Chelsea may not have been drafted there. but y'all were great when y'all got those players right and getting those players y'all then built that to be great had had bill lambert as a coach then moves on and y'all hire y'all then go on to hire who in my opinion no questions asked is the best coach in the wmba by far becky hamman

but this was all this wasn't like oh we plucked this player and now we go to championships is is that that your feeling, because I know that's how I feel about ours. Is that your feeling on y'all? Yes, 100%. Like, Kelsey, obviously, the number one draft pick. She played in San Antonio, but then the next year, Vegas, then it was me, then it was Jackie.

And, like, we were grind, like, I remember my rookie year. We didn't make it to playoffs. Like, we were trying to grind out wins and form a fan base to be like, come watch us. And, like, we were, it's funny because we were just talking about. We were like, there were times that we would have a meeting and be like, what are we doing? Like, where do we want to go with this?

How do we win? we were questioning how to win. And it just took us all being like, all right, we're going to get in the gym and we're going to work our hardest. Like, no one's going to outwork us. And so that's why I kind of felt some type of way when they kept calling us a super team, because I'm like, we didn't just go pick everybody and was like, make it work. Like, this was something that we were building.

And obviously, we just got great additions that wanted to come. And it's funny how it all at the end, it really came down to meet Kelsey and Jackie. Like, it's like, it, in that. was supposed to prove to everybody, like, this was it. The whole time, this was it. And that's the part that I was so happy for. And that was, like, probably why the second

championship was just that much greater than the first one, because I'm like, a lot of y'all, one wanted us to lose, but two, cannot believe that we really did it with our core that we've been having since day one. And, like, that right there, I definitely feel the same way, because I'm like, we literally have been doing the

same thing we've been doing every year. Like, same thing. And we just so happened to be really good because we just put the work in. But yeah, if that's a super team, then okay. But no, they're acting like, we just were like going to different gyms and be like, yeah, we want her, we want her, we're going to her, okay, play. No.

No, I definitely, I definitely thought it was a lot sweeter. As you may or may not know, I'm a huge Candace Parker fan. It has been since watching her in the dunk contest in high school. And then to Tennessee on through WMBA with the Sparks. in the sky and now her being with the aces. But I thought it was a lot to say for, number one, CP getting hurt early in the year and missing a lot of the year. But then at the very end, C. Gray getting hurt.

And like you said, it boiling down to just y'all having to close it out with kind of what you started with. Yep. And it shut all the naysairs up. You know how I viewed that? I viewed that now, you know, CP is my teammate, Chris Paul. But years ago, I think it was 2018, if I'm not mistaken, KD got hurt. I mean, C.P. No, we were playing the Houston Rockets and C.P. gets hurt.

And when C.P. got hurt. They're like, oh, C.P didn't get hurt. Y'all was done. And then KD got hurt. And we're like, all right, now we're faced with the same thing. We're out of deficit. KD's out. And now it's just us three. And we came back and won.

And so to me, that was one of the sweetest series to win. Because everything y'all said about us, you cried to KD in the car. Y'all, you couldn't do this. Y'all couldn't do that. Y'all had to. And it boiled back down to us having to get it done. And it made it all the more sweeter for me. Yes.

So I definitely get that. But for you, having a player like Candace Parker around, who's done it at the level that she's done it at her. many years. What benefit was that to you and just being able to then team up with her and kind of pluck out some of that knowledge that she has? Oh, it was incredible. Like, I've never was so excited just to have a person like Candace in our locker room just to pick her brain. I mean, it's just amazing just to compete against her in practice when we could and then just to have her constant just being in my ear. And I remember like, before we went into the New York series,

we sat down and I was just like, how do we do this? Like, how do I do this? As a person that the light is beaming on, how do I do this? And she was like, be you. Like, and it's so simple. And it's like, I knew exactly what she meant. I was like, I can't do anything different. Can't force anything. I just have to go out there and be me and my team will follow.

But just having her encouraging words on the sidelines, just still just practicing with her. And I hate, like, when she got hurt, we were just right in the groove too. We were like, dang. But it was just tons of fun just to like, just to play along somebody that's, she's my goat, Hall of Famer, hands down. So just to share a locker room with her and just her mind, man, it was a lot of fun

just to have her around, and I'm super excited just to see kind of what her future holds. Candice is a hooper. She's a hooper and a trooper through and through, and I'm so glad that I can be able to just be a part of her journey because we had a lot of fun. We brought out the youth a little bit out of her. It was a lot of fun. That's super dope.

We had Candace on the show, and she actually spoke about coming to the A-C-C- and that being the first time that she'd have her own locker, which our practice facility said she never had a practice facility, and then she got her own locker. What has your experience been like as far as that, obviously being on the team that had a practice facility and all of those things, but what has your experience been like in WNBA as far as locker rooms

and practice courts and travel and all of these different things? What has your experience been? Well, I was kind of blessed because when I entered in the league, we were shifting everything. So Vegas was new. So we had new management, new French. It was like new everything. So we were able to kind of write our own story.

So I really didn't go through the slums of the W. Minus to travel. I think that was my biggest hit because, I mean, in college, I traveled privately. We got on a plane left. I go to class next day. It was regular. But I think, like, flying commercial was the really hit, like, oh, no, we in the slums, low-key. Like, I'm sitting next to a man.

I don't know what he can. He could be having anything. and I have a guest next day and he's like just coming from five kids and it's like, oh, you know, like you got trans. So that was my thing. I was like, oh, God, that was my kind of like, ooh, this is the W.

Okay. But no, when it came to locker rooms, I was kind of blessed enough to have a locker room. We've always provided a court and everything. We actually helped transform like UNLB's whole training room so it can be to us with cold tubs and everything like that. So I wasn't really in the slums. And I hate to see that others like that were in the slums.

but I'm also grateful to be on the side where we have an awesome practice facility that we are literally being treated the way we should. But yeah, travel was just kind of like my little hit. But other than that, that was pretty good. I was blessed. That's great to hear. And speaking of, you know, to travel and your experiences,

you all just had the highest rated finals, the most watched finals in 20 years in the WNBA. what would you attribute the growth of the W to, you know, and getting those type of ratings and own practice facilities and all these things moving forward. What would you attribute that growth to? I mean, I honestly think it kind of just kind of picked up in the collegiate side of it.

I think a lot of people started paying eyes on that when everything went down between Angel and Caitlin. And I think it kind of then allowed people to kind of open up this mindset of, oh, let's kind of watch it at this level. And I think they're also starting to see us more. And I always say if you can see her, you can be here. But I think obviously representation matters.

But being seen is it, like they see us a lot more, whether that's in commercial, whether that is just on social. Like they can see us and relate to us, which means like they want to tune in and watch us. And then I always say like, once you tune in and watch us and give it a chance, you might actually like because we play decent basketball. Like we go with the Aces, we're going to play some good basketball. I can be biased there and say, no, we're going to put on a show for you for sure. And I think people are now starting to give it a chance and know that it's not just a cheery case,

but we're really good at what we do. And whether that is, and I think part of it also is we formed a rivalry. I think when you look in sports, everyone loves a rivalry. Everyone loves like the fact that I don't like them. They don't like us. So let's compete. Check the ball up. Let's play.

And I think we kind of, that was the positive side of the super teams is because it's like, people are like, okay, bet, let's tune in to see who's the real team. So I think that really, really helped us was like, no, Aces in Liberty, as soon as we made the teams, people were like, that's the finals matchup. So when it came down to that, they were like, no, I have to watch it.

So I think it just kind of, we're starting to open up into spaces of like the rivalry and like pitting people against each other because people love that. Like, that's what sells. It's like, I hate them, they hate us. Let's go.

So I think that really kind of helped us getting those views and people buying our jersey and pouring into our teams is because it's like, we want to be the best. And also us being independent champions, of course you want to see what's going on with us.

So I think that was kind of the big cause of it. Absolutely. No, I think that's incredible. And by the way, you just said something that I said years ago and all y'all got mad at me. And I'm happy to hear you say that because maybe I wasn't as far off my rocker as everyone tried to make like I was,

which is people knowing your stories and like knowing who you are, like people actually getting to know the story of Asia Wilson, getting to know the story of Chelsea Gary, getting to know the story of Kelsey Plum. I think that's what grows the game. I remember years ago I was in Miami when I did the interview. I would never forget it.

It was about women's empowerment month. And I'm just like, no, like these girls are, like these women, they're not supported the way everybody act like they support them. And I don't think they're asking the right. to then move this thing for it, and I caused so much flag for it. Nonetheless, I am happy to hear you say that the viewership and people getting to know our stories

and know this person and know that person is what's changing things, because it was just a little suggestion. So, it's great to hear that. It's great to hear that. But in speaking of, well, before we move on to that, a lot of players in the W have to go overseas during the W's offseason

because you all make way more money overseas than you make in the W. All is not like myself included. All of us are not fortunate enough to have a big endorsement deals like Asia Wilson. But, you know, y'all are just, it's just a totally different ballgame when y'all go overseas.

and the money that you make. When do you think the W will reach a point to where our players no longer? And I think we're starting to see more of it. Now we're starting to see not as many women in the W going overseas and finding different avenues to make a living. But when do you think the W will reach a point

to where the W is enough? And that's the job. And it's a two-part question also. Do you think the W season will ultimately need to be longer in order to actually reach that point. Okay, so to answer your first question, I have no idea what the W can do to help players not go overseas because it would just have to be a lot within the league that would have to change salary-wise.

And with our salary cap, that's really, really hard to do. So I don't know exactly how, like, economically why, like how that can work. But hopefully soon, but we are seeing a change. Like, we're seeing a lot more players staying. because of anything. Like, we have new lead with AU. Like, it's a lot of different things that women can still stay here and play.

But I also very lucky and blessed to be, you know, clutch client and they keep me working. And that's what I love the most because the girl got to get paid. But no, I think those are also like, who's in your circle? Who's working for you? Like, what are they doing to put yourself out there? And they do a great job of doing that.

And I think on the other side of it, yes, I would love a longer season because I love the game. but also I feel like it puts us in a way where it's starting to flow. Like you're starting to mesh together because then it's kind of like, okay, as soon as our season ending, we're starting to go into and you guys' season start. So like lights are shining on different sides of the lead, but like that's kind of like what it's all about, right? Like all eyes on a lot of different things. And I think with that, yes, but also obviously you got to fight TV time and viewership and different things like that.

But for a longer season, I'm all for it. I know we're trying to try to add teams, which is going to be super hard, but they're trying. So that's a kind of step. But, yeah, I think we would definitely need a longer season to really have people give a chance of, like, watching us. Because then it's kind of like not riding on the NBA's cocktail, but in a sense, it's kind of like, no, basketball's still going on. Like, basketball doesn't end when you guys are season. And it's like, yes, you have the whole summer to watch us. So just kind of implementing that and letting people kind of have eyes on us is big.

there's been a question that many people has asked or brought up and it's always been met with resistance from you all and I personally myself can understand the resistance but you know people will always say well why don't they lower the rims to nine and a half feet that would make the game more exciting and quite honestly I think that's a totally different way of playing like a half a foot It's a huge difference. It's a huge difference. It changes your whole shot. Like you practice shooting the ball a certain way your whole life.

Like it changes everything. But yet the first thing people would throw out there, yeah, but there will be more dunks. And that's more excited. And so, like, how do you kind of combat that thing? Like, I do understand where y'all are coming from. Yet I'm a big fan of the W. I watch the games. And I also think I watch the games more.

like the fundamentals that you're like you can't find that shit in the NBA like guys in the NBA just don't have fundamentals and like you watch y'all play and the fundamentals I love it but for those that can only watch the game for excitement because most people don't understand the game like how do you kind of combat that I think this my biggest thing is I always try to tell people is like you just honestly have to give it a chance and give it an open mind uh I think that's kind of the only thing because like when you said lowering the ramps, I'm like, I'm not changing 20 years of me learning basketball just so I can dunk maybe twice in a game if we're being really.

Like I can't give that. Like I'm not, we're not the Harlem Globe Trotters. We're not the guys that jumps on the trampolines. Like I've worked too hard and put a lot of like time into my game for me to change it just because I want to sell a ticket if we're already selling out tickets right now. So I feel like the biggest thing and when I ask people, Like when people ask me, I'm like, you really have to just go to a game. I get watching it on TV and that's great.

But going to a game, particularly in an ACE's game, gives you a whole different outlook on just the game itself. Because then it turns into entertainment because then you're like, you get to feel the feeling of the game. And then you get to enjoy it because they're like, okay, no, they're actually doing stuff really, really well. Like, they're looking pretty decent. So, yeah, I don't, I can't do the lowering of the ribs. It gives me a headache when people ask me that because I'm like, no, like, why? It changed my whole depth perception. Like, no, absolutely not.

But I think just the game itself, obviously, I'm talking. We're Hooper's here. So I'm like, the game is excited. I promise. Like, just give it a chance. But I think honestly, that's what you have to do. It's just give it a chance. And I will also say fall in love with a player.

Like, we tell our stories. You know that we're deeper than basketball players. Like, find a player, ask somebody who's really dope in the WMBA and kind of dig into them, see what they got, see what they like. And then form that relationship with them. so then it kind of translates over to the court. For a period of time, I think the NBA and a specific NBA player support was like on blast,

on Front Street for the W. I personally don't think I see as much of that anymore, like as far as being out in front of it, you may feel differently. But my question is, do you all still feel the same support from the NBA players and league as much as you once did. And every time I think about this,

I think about the orange hoodie. I'm like, oh, thank you guys so much for wearing the orange hoodie. But it's kind of like, okay. Like you get it like, cool, thanks. Like, I'm glad you wore it. But what are we doing? And my biggest thing, and I can actually appreciate it. It's kind of like, and it is.

I kind of feel like it's not dwindling, but it's new people in the league. they probably haven't got a chance to watch. Like a lot of you guys watch us because y'all watched us at different levels, like college levels, we just kind of follow it along. And I think this way the generation may not have that because it's just, whether it's NIL,

whether it's just like social media, you see them in a different light. They haven't learned that yet. But I also applaud it because I'm like, keep that fake shit over there. You know what I mean? Like, kind of like, I don't need you to fake like you watch us. I don't need you to fake that you like us.

I'd rather you keep it real and keep it pushing over there and just let us do our thing. So I can appreciate just the honesty because a lot of people, I mean, we see it on social. You guys, they're going to be like, oh, they paid you guys to say it and oh, y'all don't know anything. And it's like, I would much rather you be genuinely speaking about us and pushing us the way that you want to

versus it feeling scripted and not genuine. So it may be, I don't necessarily know it's like, I don't know how to say it. Like, I don't think it's a decrease in the support, but I think it's just an honest, honest view of the support. It's kind of like, yeah, they're good. And I've probably been to a couple of games, but I'm like, cool.

But I feel like at the same time, we do have a lot of players that are invested in us that are helping to push the needle and having the seat at the table and you guys are speaking out about it. And those are the ones that obviously we appreciate and kind of gravitate to the most because it's real.

But I kind of dig the whole like, hey, I ain't really watched them. So I really don't wait at Orange City. I can appreciate that. No, I think it's definitely, number one, personal relationships. which you see a lot, especially like guys who's been on the national team, USA men's national team and women's national team.

Like you see a lot of that connection. We spend a bunch of time together. We travel together. We're at y'all games when y'all are playing. Y'all are at our games when we're playing. And so I think you see some of that natural connection as well. And the reality is most people that are at that level. When I say people, I mean players, women and men, you understand the game.

A lot of these young people don't understand the game of basketball. Right. And so in speaking about like a lower in the rim of dunks, a lot of these young guys in particular are actually all into those things because they don't know the game. And so I can kind of see a correlation there as well, you know? Yeah, for sure. Which I think is interesting.

A few more questions before we get out of here. I know you have to go. And just really speaking of the women's game, the goats, the rivalries, you yourself and getting into number one, you yourself kind of have this rivalry with Brianna Stewart of, you know, championship, MVP's the whole nine, she's won in college, you've won in college. Like the list goes on and on and that's kind of a little rivalry. How do you view that rivalry among the other? I love it. Yeah, I love it. Stew and I have been playing against each other for a long, long time.

It's crazy to think that we kind of grew up with this little rivalry. But at the same time, just we're still cool. I feel like that's what makes it that much better because we know it's like, it's not beef. Like media can make it beef, anybody can make it beef, but it's not beef. And it's like, when you see us, we're making each other better every possession, every single possession. I'm pretty sure if you asked Stewie, what's Asia Scout? She could read it like that. And if you ask, I'm like, yeah, I got you.

And I think that's kind of what our game and our league needs. It kind of puts people aside. It's kind of like pick aside and go for it and like enjoy it and watch these two grow. And to see and it's crazy just to see how the league is kind of in our hands at this point. Because I'm like, Little Stewie in Asia and Yukon and South Carolina never would have imagined we'll be in this space now. But it's been tons of fun just growing alongside Stewie and just getting better. I feel like she makes me better every single time we play against each other. but at the same time, we've been cool since we've played together for USA and everywhere in between.

But it's a lot of fun. Sometimes I feel like every game, we just kind of look at each other and just smile aloud because we're like, look at us. What we did. Like, dang, but Stewie, she killed. I know they talk a lot about like college girls now and like NIL, but one place I'm going to always give Stuie is her respect is in college. That girl has four national championships and you can never those away from. her. And I get they talking about Angel. I get they talking about Caitlin. I get they talk about

Sarkalada's team. But the things she did in college does not need to go unrecognized. So yes, Stuie, I'm going to go props there because I see they be playing around with this whole who's the best belief. No, Stuie got that. 100%. But it's kind of cool just

to watch us just grow together from those moments. So yeah, I love the rivalry. I feel like we circle that game every time because we have no choice because we can see each other again. So yeah. That's fire. You just mentioned, you just mentioned Caitlin and you just mentioned Angel Reese, both two incredibly good players at the collegial level.

Obviously, this year soon will be making that jump to the NBA, WMBA, excuse me, more than likely. But when I watch some of these younger guys, when I'm watching college or are you watching some of the overseas guys come over, When I'm watching them, I'm watching them like, ah, like, that's cool, like that kid's good. I'm also watching him like, all right, let me figure out his tendencies now. So when he come in this league, the first time I play him, I can destroy him because I'm only going to get older. And I need to instill some type of doubt and fear in you while you're young so that when you see me as I age, you know, I'm not.

I'm not, there's just, I have to be a little unsure of myself. When you're, when y'all are watching like Caitlin Clark and specific at your position at Angel Reese, who, what I like most about Angela is she going to talk to you about what she's going to do to you and then she's actually going to do it and she's going to make sure you hear all of it. Are you watching her sometimes like, all right, like I see you shortly, but just know you got to come here soon or are you just watching it? Like, I'm just enjoying the gay.

I mean, sometimes I really just watch it to enjoy it. But then sometimes, obviously, the player side in me is kind of like I watch because I'm watching as if I'm watching film. Because clearly they're going to be at the next level. So I do kind of sometimes catch myself. I'm like, oh, okay, bit, I got you. And I'm like, oh, no, let me enjoy the game. Go women sports. Like, the competitor in me just can't live without a film session sometimes.

I don't watch you enjoy it, but sometimes I find myself like, all right, bitch. You like that move, bet. I got it. Because like you said, I'm older. So I'm like, all right, I got to start playing smarter a little bit. And let me try to figure it out before they kind of get ahead of the game. And I'm pretty sure they, like, did it to me when I was a rookie. So I don't feel too bad.

I'm like, yeah, no, you did the same. Absolutely. That's a fact. It's crazy. I was thinking about that yesterday because I'm like, man, I wonder if guys thought this way about me. And I'm like, they 100% thought this way about us, man. Like, this ain't nothing new. Like, they've been doing this.

Okay. All right, long as I'm not the only one sick in the head, I'm good. Give me your Mount Rushmore of WMBA or women's basketball in general. It doesn't necessarily have to be the WMBA because obviously the WMBA spans back now 26 years, if I'm not mistaken. Yeah. But give me your Mount Rushmore of women's basketball. Cool. Cynthia Cooper

Cynthia Cooper Sure soups Gotta have it Absolutely I really want to put myself Because Why not? You can't not put yourself

That is A-O-K on Drillard Green show I'm gonna put myself Because duh And Mount Worcmore Got four people I don't know Yes it does

Four people I gotta say Candace I have to say Keynes But now I feel so bad I'm sorry. So, my, I can take, my head can be on the side. They can, like, carve it on another side. And I'm just going, because part of me wants to say DT,

but then part of me obviously want to be like Coach Daly because that's my girl. I don't know. We just have to carve in a couple of extra heads on the mouth. I can't get it before. So go ahead and put, like, two together. There it is. Okay, well, since you're removing yourself to the side, What do you have to do in your career moving forward?

Like, you've already done everything. What do you have to do in your career to put yourself all the way on there? Like, ain't no moving me to the side. I'm here. What more do you feel you need to do in order for that to happen? I got to get two more chips. I got to get two more. I got to get two more.

Yeah, I feel like that's just, it just solidifies me at that point. Because I feel like, and especially if I can do them in a row, oh my God, blessings. That's knocking it out apart. But I feel like I'm already up there because being back to back is hard in itself. Like that's why when people be like, oh, like you won your second one. I'm like, please say back to back. Because back to back is what really sets it off.

So that's why I feel like if I can get a couple more like then it's kind of like, all right, she did it back to back, but then she also did it again and again. So yeah, I'm just going to get myself forward. And also I'm an even number girl. I'm weird. So yeah, I need four. and a couple of, give me another gold medal. Yeah, then I'll be at peace.

Okay, I can respect that. All right, well, I'll be sitting here count the championships. I know you'll get more, so I'll be sitting here count them so I can make my own rush more, and I don't have to slide you to the side. That was your words, not mine. Before we get out of here, your best or favorite best, however you want to classify it,

AIS championship parade stories or celebration. Like what out of all of that do you look back on and you like, that was the moment for me? Like this year, championship or last year or anything? Either. You know, that's a great problem to have, MVP. You ain't got to flex on me. It's all right.

Great problem to have. I probably just, I have to, because my teammates are just so, they're just my teammates. It has to be, and it wasn't even the parade. It's like immediately after where we're in the media and we're doing media and it's me and it's Chelsea. We're doing it. And all of a sudden, we just hear this boombox and it's KP hammered with the boombox interrupting the whole press conference. And we're like, what is going on at this point?

And KP apparently was left in the locker room by herself. Once she came out, everybody was going there in different ways. We still don't know where people were until this day. And she just gravitated to the press room and decided to crash it. That was the top moment of my life because I was like, what is going on? Then the second one was another what's going on moment when we were in the press room again after winning in New York. And the whole team just bust through and ruined me and Alicia Park media. And they're just like asking their own questions like, who the fourth place?

Oh, what's going? Like we're at this point, we're like, yeah, the media people are like, and this is why we didn't vote for y'all. We gave them their recent. And I think that right there were like my top moments where I'm like, ah, this team is also. Like, I love them for this. So yes. That's great. No, it honestly looks like y'all have so much fun together.

Like on a daily basis, and I don't think people really understand the monotony of these seasons, right? Like you're just in this grind and it's on and on and on. It's just like this revolving door. And I admire how fun it looks like y'all keep it for each other. I think that's great. I think in order to continue winning, you have to be able to do that because you run into the dog days. You run into the days you wake up, you don't want to play. And so I really admire that about y'all.

You see, yeah. Do a great job of keeping it fun. And quite frankly, they cannot vote again if that's going to equal another championship. And hey, you know what? Just keep on fuel in the fire. Yeah. Asia, I can't thank you enough for coming on the Draymond Green show, your resume. So I always talk about like, you can't just be in the NBA or the WNBA and come on here.

You got to have a resume, like, because we got to have something to talk about it. I don't really want to talk about what draft pick you were. Like, and they don't really get it done. But honestly, I'm so thankful to have you on. Champion, MVP, you know I'm a big fan. Dear Black Girls, How to Be True to You by Asia Wilson, y'all make sure February 6th, y'all get that book, go check it out. I've told you all my commitment.

I'm looking forward to reading it and checking out the book. Good luck this year. Thank you. Thank you. You running back. Make sure you go get the MVP. Don't leave no doubt this time. Yeah, at this point.

Leave no doubt. Absolutely. Wishing you well. Thank you for coming on the show. I appreciate you. Thank you so much.