Aliyah Boston selected No. 1 overall by Indiana Fever in 2023 WNBA Draft

One of the most decorated players in women’s college basketball history is now making the jump to the WNBA. South Carolina center Aliyah Boston did not have to wait long before her name was called by league commissioner Cathy Engelbert, with Indiana selecting Boston at No. 1 overall. A truly special player is heading to the Fever.

The list of accomplishments for Boston goes on forever, beginning with her national championship win during the 2022 NCAA Tournament. Alongside head coach Dawn Staley, Boston helped South Carolina dominate throughout the entire season, losing just two games. Everything ended with the nets coming back home with the duo to Columbia.

During her time in college, Boston averaged a double-double, going for 14.1 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. She was named a three-time AP first-team All-American — something only an elite club of women’s college basketball players can say. Boston also earned second-team honors during her freshman season.

Boston is the second ever South Carolina to be selected top overall, joining A’ja Wilson. You can mark it down as two consecutive No. 1 picks from the SEC, as Kentucky‘s Rhyne Howard had the honor this time last year. An incredible run for both the Gamecocks and the conference.

Indiana Fever getting top defensive player in Aliyah Boston

While Boston was already considered the top overall player available in the WNBA, she also aligns with how Indiana wants to play. ESPN’s LaChina Robinson explains how the entire Fever organization loves to play well on the defensive side of the ball. Nobody will suit that mentality more than Boston.

“What else do we know about the Indiana Fever in terms of their playing style? New coach Christie Sides and GM Lin Dunn both love the defensive end of the floor,” Robinson said. “Who better than two-time Naismith Defensive Player of the Year in Aliyah Boston? 330 career blocks. She’s going to need those against Britney Griner.”

Indiana earned the first overall pick after sporting the worst record during the 2022 season. They finished with just five wins in 36 games, dropping their final 18 games. Boston will be joining a franchise that has struggled to make the playoffs over the past six seasons. Those in Indiana will be hoping Boston is the person to turn around that streak.

A new era will be coming to the franchise with Monday night’s event. Selecting Boston is just the beginning of a rebuild for Indiana.