“Dominating the Hardwood: South Carolina Alum Allisha Gray Named WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week — Her Elite Show Could Propel MVP Candidacy as Former Gamecock Leads Atlanta Dream’s Resurgence”
ATLANTA, GA / COLUMBIA, S.C. — In a triumphant moment for South Carolina women’s basketball, former Gamecock standout Allisha Gray has earned the prestigious WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week award—for the second time this season—after delivering a standout performance that has ignited the Atlanta Dream’s breakout start .
This honor, earned after an impressive stretch of basketball from May 26 to June 1, marks a new high in Gray’s decorated professional journey and elevates her position among the league’s elite—solidifying her as a potential MVP contender and reaffirming her impact at South Carolina.
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📊 A Week for the Record Books
Gray averaged an electric 26.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, shooting an astonishing 65.2% from the field and an eye-popping 62.5% from 3-point range over a three-game span . Her night with 28 points against Seattle was a career high and pivotal in a thrilling comeback win that drew national attention.
The result? A 11-percentage-point scoring increase and a Dream record of 5–2, their best start since 2016 —a surge directly fueled by Gray’s dynamic play.
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🌟 From Gamecock Glory to WNBA Greatness
Gray, a 2016 NCAA champion with South Carolina and former All-American, has built a compelling pro résumé. It includes an NBA Rookie of the Year award, multiple All-Star selections, and now, conference player of the week recognition—as the first Dream player to earn the accolade since 2022 .
Her consistent offensive explosion, combined with elite percentages, speaks to an evolved, mature game—one rooted in her championship mindset from Columbia, now thriving under pro-level scrutiny.
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💼 Impact on Atlanta’s Momentum
The Dream’s recent surge, to 8–3 and among the top records in the WNBA, is centered around Gray’s leadership. Fellow standout A’ja Wilson, her Gamecock peer, was similarly honored in the Western Conference in the same timeframe , reinforcing the strength of Carolina’s alum pipeline in the pros.
Gray’s breakout week positions her in the MVP race and places her squarely in league-wide conversations—not only for her scoring but for her versatility, efficiency, and ability to impact both ends of the floor.
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🌍 Gamecock Legacy Expands to the Pros
The success of Gray and Wilson underscores the ongoing influence of Dawn Staley’s legacy at South Carolina, transforming the program into an NBA/ WNBA talent factory. With successive alumni earning national accolades, the college-to-pro pathway remains stronger than ever.
Gray’s excellence also enhances recruiting appeal—her journey from freshman contributor to professional star offers a blueprint for future Gamecock athletes chasing both NCAA success and pro aspirations.
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🎯 What’s Ahead: MVP Watch & Dream Season Ahead
After such a dominant week:
Gray is now in contention for Eastern Conference Player of the Month and potentially WNBA MVP honors .
Atlanta Dream now prepare to build on momentum in upcoming matchups, riding Gray’s confidence and efficiency.
South Carolina fans can look forward to future Gamecock names making similar waves on both ends of the pro court.
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🏁 Final Take
Allisha Gray’s recent recognition isn’t just a WNBA milestone—it’s the next chapter in her storied journey—from NCAA champion to NBA rookie star and now Eastern Conference dominance. Her powerful performances have propelled the Dream, captivated fans, and inspired a generation of Gamecocks.
For Gray, the climb is far from over—but as she continues to elevate her game, she’s proving that championship instincts born at South Carolina flourish anywhere they land.
Stay tuned—the MVP Watch is officially ON.
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