A’ja Wilson delivered a sweet birthday surprise for four-year-old superfan Iman Taylor, whose one birthday wish was to meet A’ja Wilson in real life.
On a recent episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show, the three-time WNBA champion and four-time MVP proved she’s just as elite at stealing hearts as she is at collecting championships.
When Jennifer Hudson introduced the tiny hooper-in-training, the audience already adored him. But it was his explanation for loving Wilson that sealed it: “’Cause I love her super much,” he said, with the kind of sincerity only a kid can pull off.
Iman’s mom, Bianca, shared that her own love for basketball rubbed off on her son. She played in middle and high school, and now her little boy can’t get enough of the WNBA, especially its brightest star.
In a clip shown on the show, Iman practically levitated with joy after getting an A’ja Wilson jersey. That alone would’ve made his week. But the real surprise was waiting backstage.
Jennijer Hudson asked Iman if he was ready for his birthday present. Seconds later, A’ja Wilson walked out.
Iman launched straight into her arms with a full-body hug that sent the crowd into an emotional meltdown. When Hudson asked if the surprise was a good gift, he didn’t hesitate: “Yes.”
He looked at her with the kind of awe kids usually reserve for superheroes. Then he said, “I love you.”
Aja Wilson, touched and laughing, joked, “Bam might have some competition,” referencing her longtime boyfriend. But she quickly shifted into heartfelt mode.
“This is one of the reasons why I love what I do,” she said. “To bring people together and bring smiles to people’s faces… especially for the youth. If I can be a beacon of light for them, be like, ‘I can do that.’ That’s the real reason.”
But the surprises weren’t over. Jennifer Hudson gifted Iman and his mom an autographed A’ja Wilson jersey, a pair of Wilson’s A’One sneakers, and a birthday cake fit for a young MVP.
Bianca was emotional as she described what the moment meant for her as a single mother.
“It’s been me and him since day one,” she said. “To be able to create this memory for him? I can’t even put it into words.”
