The Indiana Fever had the first overall pick at the 2023 WNBA Draft, and they didn’t overthink their decision. The Fever, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2016, bolstered their team by picking the best player in the Draft.
With the first pick, the Fever drafted South Carolina senior Aliyah Boston.
This moment for Aliyah Boston and her family 🥹 pic.twitter.com/2tve2pBAd7
— espnW (@espnW) April 10, 2023
Boston leaves the Gamecocks with one of the most decorated careers for a college basketball player. In 2022, Boston capped off her monumental season with an NCAA championship win.
Speaking of South Carolina, the WNBA Draft was huge for the Gamecocks. In addition to Boston, four other South Carolina players were drafted, including three in the top ten. Laeticia Amihere and Zia Cooke were selected at eighth and tenth, respectively, as Brea Beal and Victaria Saxton were picked back-to-back at 25 and 26. The Fever also selected Saxton, and barring any trades will be with Boston this upcoming season.
Boston posted a message to fans, letting them know she was excited to go to Indiana and get to work.
Aliyah Boston with a special message for Fever fans.
we can't wait to get started. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/bkyIbWxuen
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) April 11, 2023
Many spoke highly of Boston and are excited for her to play for Indiana, including the Fever fans at their draft party.
our #FeverDraft Party reacts to drafting Aliyah Boston at No. 1 overall in the #WNBADraft.
Indy is ready for you, @aa_boston!#sponsored | @AnthemBCBS pic.twitter.com/u6VNuZgDca
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) April 11, 2023
Congrats To @aa_boston Real Role Model & Great Story. Plays The Game The Right Way & Is A Humble Sweet Soul. Go Be GREAT!!!!!
— Plies (@plies) April 10, 2023
A few thoughts on the #WNBADraft
– Aliyah Boston going number one was never a question
– Brea Beal is a SLEEPER
– Dawn Staley has to be soooo proud
– I can’t wait to see what Alexis Morris does in Connecticut they have a SQUADI can’t wait until tip-off in May!
— Nia Gibson (@NiaGibson__) April 11, 2023
Aliyah Boston with the Indiana Fever is gonna be a mismatch.
— Victor Monjaras (@Journeyman15) April 11, 2023
Indiana is protecting their investment in Aliyah Boston, drafted Aliyah #1 and now adding 2 shooters to go with her.
— Brian Howard (@CoachBHoward) April 11, 2023
Indiana looks to correct a six-year rut where they only reached double-digit wins once. Despite that, this is the first season that the Fever held the first overall pick.