Aliyah Boston at the 2023 NBA Draft in New York on April 10, 2023. Photo Credit: AP.
In a historic move for the Indiana Fever, South Carolina star and USVI native Aliyah Boston was chosen as the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft on Monday night. This marks the first time the Fever have secured the top choice in the draft, adding the three-time AP All-American to their roster.
Boston, who also earned the Player of the Year title as a junior, is set to strengthen Indiana's post position. The team had a disappointing season last year, recording the worst league performance with a 5-31 record.
The talented player faced a tough decision, like many of her peers, whether to return to college for a fifth season due to the extra year granted in response to the Covid-19 pandemic or to turn pro. Boston ultimately opted to enter the draft, joining 111 other players who declared their intentions.
Three of Boston's fellow South Carolina players were also expected to be picked in the first two rounds of the draft. The Gamecocks had an impressive unbeaten season, which came to an end when they were defeated by Iowa in the Final Four.
The Minnesota Lynx secured the No. 2 pick, while the Dallas Wings made selections at No. 3, No. 5, and No. 11 in the draft.