Aces’ A’ja Wilson named WNBA Rookie of the Month

Official Release |

NEW YORK – Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson today was named the WNBA Rookie of the Month for games played in August.  She earned the Rookie of the Month award for the third consecutive time, sweeping the honor for the 2018 season.

In August, Wilson averaged rookie highs of 22.8 points (second in the WNBA overall) and 6.0 rebounds in eight games.  She also ranked second among first-year WNBA players in field goal percentage (51.5) and blocked shots (1.38 bpg).

Wilson, a 2018 WNBA All-Star selection, scored at least 18 points in all eight games during the month.  On Aug. 17, she finished with 34 points (on 15-of-20 shooting from the field), seven rebounds and four blocks in a 107-102 road loss to the Dallas Wings.

Wilson’s other highlights in August included:

  • Aug. 1 vs. Phoenix: Scored 29 points and added six rebounds and four assists in a 104-93 loss to the Mercury.
  • Aug. 11 vs. Indiana: Contributed 19 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two blocks and two steals in a 92-74 victory against the Fever.
  • Aug. 15 vs. New York: Scored 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the field in an 85-72 win over the Liberty.

For the season, Wilson averaged rookie bests of 20.7 points (tied for third in the WNBA), 8.0 rebounds (sixth) and 1.67 blocks (sixth).  Wilson became the second rookie in WNBA history to average at least 20.0 points per game, joining Seimone Augustus (21.9 ppg in 2006).  Behind Wilson, the Aces (14-20) improved their record by six games from the 2017 season.

About the WNBA

The WNBA – which features 12 teams and is the most successful women’s professional team sports league in the world – is a unique global sports property combining competition, sportsmanship, and entertainment value with its status as an icon for social change, achievement, and diversity.  The league, which counts Verizon as its leaguewide marquee partner, begins its 22nd playoffs on Aug. 21, 2018. Through WNBA Cares, the WNBA is deeply committed to creating programs that improve the quality of life for all people, with a special emphasis on programs that promote a healthy lifestyle, increase breast and women’s health awareness, support youth and family development, and focus on education.  For more information about the WNBA, visit wnba.com.