Aliyah Boston was the first pick in the WNBA draft on Monday night, heading into the Indiana Fever.
It was the first time the Fever had a top pick in the draft, and they selected the South Carolina star. Boston, a three-time Associated Press All-American who was also Player of the Year as a junior, would cement Indiana’s position.
“It’s really special, I’m thankful to God that He put me in this position,” said 21-year-old Boston, from the US Virgin Islands.
“Everyone in Indiana has seen something in me, and I’m ready to get out there and get to work.”
The Fever had the worst record in the league last season, going 5-31.
Alia Boston of South Carolina (right) pictured with Commissioner Kathy Engelbert
Boston was the #1 pick in the WNBA draft on Monday night, going to the Indiana Fever
Maryland’s Diamond Miller reacts after picking the Minnesota Lynx on Monday
“Aliyah Boston will make an immediate impact on our franchise on and off the field,” said Lynn Dunn, Phifer GM.
We’re excited to have her paired with Kelsey (Mitchell) and NaLyssa (Smith) during this Indiana Fever reload. We are very impressed with Alia’s post skills as well as her natural leadership skills. This is a great day for our franchise! “
She had a stellar college career, leading the Gamecocks to a national championship in her junior year, losing just nine games in total and helping her team make three Final Four appearances.
Boston, like many other players, had to choose to return to college for a fifth season due to the extra year given the COVID-19 virus or turn pro. She decided to enter the draft, joining 111 other players to be drafted.
“Everyone who has a COVID year has a hard choice,” Boston said. It might be somewhere you know in the system. … it took a lot of thought.
She was one of three players from South Carolina who participated in the first round. Leticia Ameyher’s eighth place went to Atlanta and Zia Cook’s tenth went to Los Angeles. It is the tenth time that three players from the same team have been drafted in the opening round, and the first since Oregon had three players in 2020.
The Gamecocks also had two other players drafted, with Brea Beal going to Minnesota at number 24, and Victoria Saxton being picked up next by Indiana.
“It’s a really amazing experience, because this group of girls have gone through life together,” said Amihere. These four years weren’t just about basketball. Being able to be with them on one of our biggest nights is an amazing experience.
Minnesota took Diamond Miller from Maryland with the No. 2 pick, and Dallas drafted Maddie Siegrist from Villanova with the No. 3 pick. Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman, who was the first president of the WNBA, sat with Siegrist.
Recruits Zia Cooke, Boston and Breanna Beal hit the scene for the 2023 WNBA Draft
South Carolina had three players named to the top 10 picks for this year’s WNBA Draft
The Wings also drafted UConn guard Lou Lopez Seneschal twice later. She had transferred to UConn after a stellar career at Fairfield.
“It feels surreal, I really didn’t think I’d be here,” said Seneshal. “I’ve come a long way, and I’ve been through a lot of challenges.”
Stephanie Soares of Iowa came in fourth, behind Washington. The Mystics quickly traded her to Dallas shortly after the 6-foot-7 center pick. Washington regained a first-round pick in 2025 and a second-round pick in 2024.
“It was an interesting feeling,” Soares said. “Pure excitement going to Washington, but now going to Dallas. It would be a great next step in the trip.”
Soares tore her ACL in January and will miss the upcoming WNBA season.
Stanford guard Haley Jones went sixth to Atlanta. Indiana Grace Berger was drafted at number 7 by the Fever. She was the first Hoosiers player to be selected in the first round in school history.
Seattle picked up Jordan Hurston of Tennessee in the ninth. Dallas selected Abe Myers of Maryland with the 11th pick. Myers started her career at Princeton University before ending with the Terrapins.
Minnesota finished first in the first round with French center Maia Hirsch.
