A'ja Wilson has a surprising message for young hoopers after making major progress with her three point shot
A’ja Wilson is no longer treating her three point shot as a skill she has to add just because fans want it. The Las Vegas Aces star said she spent the offseason working on her shooting range, but she also had a message for young players who feel pressure to change their game quickly. Wilson’s point was simple: improve when you are ready, trust your work, and do not let outside voices set your timeline.
A’ja Wilson gives young hoopers a clear message about her three point shotWilson spoke about her three point development in an interview shared by USA Sports on Monday. When asked what part of her game she worked on during the offseason, she named her three point shot before explaining why she had taken her time with it.
“Probably my three-point shot,” Wilson said. “My three-point shot was something that I really wanted to kind of buckle down on. I think the biggest thing I want to tell young hoopers is don’t let the crowd rush you in what you need to do.”
Wilson said she had heard the calls for her to “develop a three” for years. She knew the area needed work, but she did not want to force it simply to answer outside expectations.
“Obviously, yes, I know that. But in due time, I will do that,” she added.
That approach is easy to understand when her career numbers are considered. Wilson spent most of her early WNBA years doing her biggest damage inside and from mid range. From 2018 through 2021, she attempted only two three pointers. She made 31 threes in 2022, but that season stood apart from her early career.
A’ja Wilson’s three point progress is changing her offensive game Her outside shooting became a more regular part of her game after that. Wilson made nine threes on 29 attempts in 2023, followed by 19 makes on 60 attempts in 2024. In 2025, she made 25 of 59 attempts. This season, she has made 36 threes on 90 attempts, good for 40%.
Wilson does not need to become a high volume shooter. She said, “I’m not out here having to shoot seven threes, but I can knock down the ones that I feel confident in.”
Her 2026 numbers show why that change can matter. Wilson is averaging 26.2 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists, according to season statistics. She remains a major part of the Aces offense while adding a shot that defenses now have to respect more often.
Wilson also said she has been working on dribbling in small spaces and reacting to different defensive looks. This is not only about standing outside and taking more threes. She is trying to make her overall game more flexible without moving away from the skills that made her one of the WNBA’s top players.
The numbers show steady growth rather than a sudden change. Wilson has gone from barely taking threes early in her career to shooting them with real confidence now. For young hoopers, that may be the most useful part of her message.
A’ja Wilson gives young hoopers a clear message about her three point shotWilson spoke about her three point development in an interview shared by USA Sports on Monday. When asked what part of her game she worked on during the offseason, she named her three point shot before explaining why she had taken her time with it.
“Probably my three-point shot,” Wilson said. “My three-point shot was something that I really wanted to kind of buckle down on. I think the biggest thing I want to tell young hoopers is don’t let the crowd rush you in what you need to do.”
Wilson said she had heard the calls for her to “develop a three” for years. She knew the area needed work, but she did not want to force it simply to answer outside expectations.
“Obviously, yes, I know that. But in due time, I will do that,” she added.
That approach is easy to understand when her career numbers are considered. Wilson spent most of her early WNBA years doing her biggest damage inside and from mid range. From 2018 through 2021, she attempted only two three pointers. She made 31 threes in 2022, but that season stood apart from her early career.
A’ja Wilson’s three point progress is changing her offensive game Her outside shooting became a more regular part of her game after that. Wilson made nine threes on 29 attempts in 2023, followed by 19 makes on 60 attempts in 2024. In 2025, she made 25 of 59 attempts. This season, she has made 36 threes on 90 attempts, good for 40%.
Wilson does not need to become a high volume shooter. She said, “I’m not out here having to shoot seven threes, but I can knock down the ones that I feel confident in.”
Her 2026 numbers show why that change can matter. Wilson is averaging 26.2 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists, according to season statistics. She remains a major part of the Aces offense while adding a shot that defenses now have to respect more often.
Wilson also said she has been working on dribbling in small spaces and reacting to different defensive looks. This is not only about standing outside and taking more threes. She is trying to make her overall game more flexible without moving away from the skills that made her one of the WNBA’s top players.
The numbers show steady growth rather than a sudden change. Wilson has gone from barely taking threes early in her career to shooting them with real confidence now. For young hoopers, that may be the most useful part of her message.
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