Walking in the Footsteps of 2x MVP A?ja Wilson and Damian Lillard, 21YO WNBA Forward Joins the Ranks of Basketball Greats With Latest Feat

Every WNBA and NBA player after being drafted in the league aims at making an unforgettable impact. The extent of impact and what the future entails is more often than not revealed by the NBA Rookie of the Year award. Thus, the award is not just another coveted prize but made of sweat, blood, and dreams of the entire practice of an individual since picking up the sport. Hence, Indiana Fever power forward Aliyah Boston was on cloud nine when she was awarded the Rookie of the Year award on Monday.

Boston was drafted by the Indiana Fever with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft. What followed was a historic first-year campaign. Let us have a look at her reaction.

What did Aliyah do to win the award

Becoming the first player after Gamecock alumna A?ja Wilson to unanimously win the award, Boston also earned herself a starting spot in the WNBA All-Star Game. For the unversed, Wilson was by her side during the process as she was captaining the All-Star team. Boston made history when included in the starting roster becoming only the eighth player to start in All-Star Game and the first since Shoni Schimmel in 2014. Boston was already named the Rookie of the year by the Associated Press on September 12.

?It means a lot, but I think it also shows what coach (Dawn) Staley does at South Carolina and just the top players she produces,? Boston revealed in a Zoom press conference on Monday as per The State. ?So that?s really exciting to be in that category with A?ja.?

Another special thing about Boston was that her performance could be compared to all-time record holders. The Virgin Island-born was leading the season in terms of field goal percentage (57.8%) and thus became the first rookie to do so. Other than that, she ranked second in the most rebounds (335) as a rookie and third in most field goals (223)

READ MORE: Elbow in the Face of 6?3 WNBA Star Leaves Aliyah Boston Fuming and Animated

Thus, Boston made it to the league of 2x MVP A’ja Wilson and former Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard to win the award unanimously. Receiving 60 votes from a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters, Boston was the first overall pick in the 2023 WNBA draft. Boston averaged 14.5 points with 8.4 rebounds per contest and 2.2 assists per game.

How did Indiana Fever perform in the league

While Boston will receive $5,150, the Indian Fever stood 6th in the Eastern Conference Standing and would be looking to rebuild their team before the commencement of the next season. Thus, Boston will prove to be an essential asset to the team in the following season.

Will Boston be able to live up to the expectations during the next season? Will she propel Indiana Fevers toward a victory? Only time will tell. But do comment your views below!

WATCH THIS STORY: After Lauding $4 Billion Team?s Damian Lillard Trade, Heartfelt Milwaukee Scene Wins NBA Veteran?s Heart