Aliyah Boston created history for her homeland United States Virgin Islands after being drafted by the Indiana Fever as the number 1 pick in the 2023 Women’s National Basketball Association Draft on Monday.
Boston, who grew up in St. Thomas, was favoured to be the number 1 pick, after completing successful college and high school basketball careers.
The former South Carolina star propelled her side to three consecutive Final Four appearances where she was named the Most Outstanding Player and the 2022 national title.
Boston is also the 2022 Naismith Player of the Year and throughout her decorated career she received three first-team All-American selections, two SEC Player of the Year honours, and four Lisa Leslie Center of the Year awards.
The USVI national also became the second top overall pick out of South Carolina, joining two-time league MVP A’ja Wilson in 2018.
Speaking following the historic announcement, Boston said she was excited about the selection, adding that it was a very special moment considering the sacrifice her parents made in allowing them to relocate to the mainland of the United States.