South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley has something unique in common with her former player and Gamecock great A’ja Wilson. Both now have statues of their likenesses in Columbia. During Staley’s remarks Wednesday at the unveiling of her own statue, she took time to defend Wilson’s statue in light of an opposing coach’s recent remarks.

When No. 2 UConn blew out No. 1 South Carolina in the national championship on April 6, it appeared to put a bow on the eternal cold war between Huskies coach Geno Auriemma and Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley for a moment. It didn't last. On Wednesday, Staley appeared to shade Auriemma at a ceremony unveiling a statue in her honor.

The two legendary head coaches exchanged some pointed statements in April after Dawn Staley was honored by her local community with a statue.