Aliyah Boston’s dominance continued at the 2023 WNBA Draft.
The Indiana Fever selected Boston — the four-time All-American forward out of South Carolina — No. 1 overall at Spring Studios in New York City on Monday.
Boston, who turned heads with her gorgeous purple hair, stunned in a white jumpsuit on the orange carpet.
She was all smiles on the draft stage with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert as the pair posed with a fresh Fever jersey.
Boston’s parents, Al and Cleone, along with Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley were present at the draft, where South Carolina saw five players selected — including Boston, Laeticia Amihere (No. 8 overall, Atlanta Dream), Zia Cooke (No. 10, Los Angeles Sparks), Brea Beal (No. 24, Minnesota Lynx) and Victaria Saxton (No. 25, Indiana Fever).
It’s hard to imagine the decision being difficult for Indiana, as Boston was the clear frontrunner after making NCAA history in 2022.
The 6-foot-5 forward is the 2022 National Player of the Year and the reigning two-time SEC Player of the year.
Boston led South Carolina to three consecutive Final Four appearances, including the 2022 NCAA championship.
She was named Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four during that tournament.
Boston and South Carolina had an undefeated regular season in 2022-’23 but were stunned by Caitlin Clark and Iowa in the Final Four.
The 21-year-old, from Saint Thomas, is the most decorated player in Gamecocks program history —breaking career records in 2022-23 for double-doubles and rebounds that had stood since 1982.
Boston is just the fifth player in AP All-America history to earn the honor all four years of her career, and just the 10th player to earn first-team honors three times.
She is a four-time Lisa Leslie Center of the Year award winner.
Now, Boston will look to translate her collegiate dominance to the pros.
Indiana is in need of a franchise player after losing 80 percent of their games the last two seasons.
The Fever haven’t been to the postseason since 2016 — and Boston could help change that.
She has the size and length to be dominate inside the paint, where she is an aggressive rim-protector.
Boston is a solid two-way player, and can defend the perimeter while also being effective on the offensive side of the ball.
In 2023, Boston averaged 13 points, 9.8 rebounds and two blocks per game.
Boston is excited to get to work with Indiana.
“Just being able to learn from everyone that’s there already … but also to kind of be who I am and just continue to compete,” she said about joining the Fever.
“I think everybody on the Fever now, they’re going to compete, and we’re going to work hard. I’m just really excited to get that started with everyone.”
Fever GM Lin Dunn is looking forward to what Boston can do for the franchise.
“Aliyah Boston will have an immediate impact on our franchise on and off the court,” Dunn said.
“We are excited to pair her with Kelsey (Mitchell) and NaLyssa (Smith) as we reload the Indiana Fever. We are very impressed with Aliyah’s post skills as well as her natural leadership skills. This a a great day for our franchise!”
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