Aliyah Boston’s journey in the WNBA has already been an impressive one. After being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft, she went on to secure the WNBA Rookie of the Year award. Now, heading into her third year with the Indiana Fever, Boston is determined to build on her early successes and continue to develop into one of the most dominant players in the league. Despite her accolades, Boston remains focused on growth, recognizing that there are still areas of her game she can improve. As she works to increase her confidence heading into the 2024 season, part of her development will come from an unexpected source—Unrivaled, a new 3×3 full-court league based in Miami.
A Season of Progress for Aliyah Boston
In her second season with the Fever, Aliyah Boston continued to prove why she was considered a top pick in the 2023 draft. The young forward was named to the WNBA All-Star team for the second consecutive year, showing that her impact on the floor was undeniable. She finished the season leading her team in rebounding, with 8.9 rebounds per game, a testament to her physicality, strength, and tenacity. Offensively, Boston also held her own, contributing 14 points per game, ranking third on the team.
Boston’s effectiveness on the court, especially as a key part of Indiana’s offense, is a reflection of her high basketball IQ and ability to execute in various facets of the game. Her rebounding prowess allowed the Fever to control the boards, and her scoring ability ensured that she was a significant threat in the post. But despite the statistical success, Boston is well aware that there are areas where she can continue to grow and evolve.
Learning from Challenges
Every player, no matter how talented, faces challenges along their journey. For Boston, the 2024 season didn’t start as smoothly as she had hoped. Despite putting in extensive work during her first WNBA offseason to add muscle and weight to her frame, the adjustment to the physical demands of the league still took some time. The offseason strength training helped her improve her ability to contend with bigger and more physically dominant posts in the league, a crucial element of her development. However, the lack of organized basketball during the offseason meant that she experienced another learning curve at the start of the season.
Boston acknowledges that her early-season struggles were part of her learning process. Adjusting to the pace of the game and refining her skills in real-time is a part of the growth process for young players in the WNBA, especially one as talented and driven as Boston. While she was able to showcase her strengths, such as her rebounding and physical presence, she admitted that consistency was still something she needed to improve on.
The challenges Boston faced in the early part of the 2024 season have only fueled her desire to get better. By acknowledging the areas she needs to improve on, she is taking the right steps toward maximizing her potential in the coming years.
Confidence and the Unrivaled League
Heading into Year 3, Boston has expressed that one of her primary focuses is building her confidence. As a young player still finding her footing in the league, confidence can often be the difference between a good player and a great player. For Boston, finding ways to build that self-assurance will be key to her continued development.
One of the most intriguing ways Boston is aiming to build that confidence is by playing in Unrivaled, the newly established 3×3 full-court league in Miami. The Unrivaled league offers a different style of play compared to the traditional 5-on-5 basketball that Boston is used to in the WNBA. The fast-paced, small-court format will present unique challenges, but it also provides opportunities for players to develop a variety of skills.
For Boston, playing in the Unrivaled league is about more than just gaining experience—it’s about gaining a deeper understanding of her own game and how she can elevate her skill set. The 3×3 format will require her to work on her footwork, decision-making, and agility in tight spaces. Since 3×3 basketball emphasizes creativity and adaptability, it can be a great avenue for Boston to take her game to the next level.
In particular, Unrivaled will challenge Boston to become more dynamic on the offensive end. The smaller court means fewer players to pass to, so each individual must make quicker decisions and assert themselves in more isolation situations. Boston’s ball-handling and scoring ability will be tested in this format, but it will also help her develop a level of comfort and confidence with the ball in her hands. It will force her to expand her offensive game and become even more versatile, both of which will serve her well when she returns to the WNBA.
Additionally, Unrivaled will allow Boston to build her confidence in high-pressure, high-intensity situations. The 3×3 format is known for its rapid pace, and players must often make quick decisions with limited space and time. This environment can help Boston hone her decision-making skills and allow her to learn how to thrive under pressure—skills that are invaluable when playing for a team like the Fever, which will continue to aim for higher achievements in the coming seasons.
Areas for Improvement
While Boston has made tremendous strides in her young career, there are still key areas of her game that she is actively working to improve. One of the main areas she has focused on is expanding her offensive game. While she has already proven to be a force in the paint, Boston knows that being a more well-rounded offensive player will make her an even more dangerous weapon for the Fever.
In particular, Boston has expressed a desire to improve her perimeter shooting. Expanding her range will not only make her harder to guard but will also allow her to stretch the floor and create more opportunities for her teammates. In addition to her scoring, Boston is also focused on improving her passing, vision, and ability to facilitate for others. As a frontcourt player, her ability to create opportunities for her teammates will be key to elevating the Fever’s offense to the next level.
Defensively, Boston is already one of the top players in the league. Her length, athleticism, and basketball IQ allow her to be an exceptional shot blocker and rebounder. However, she is constantly looking for ways to improve on that end as well. Whether it’s positioning, rotations, or increasing her lateral quickness, Boston understands that being a complete player means excelling on both ends of the floor. The combination of these improvements will help her become one of the most complete players in the league, and that’s something she’s working toward in both the WNBA and Unrivaled.
Looking Ahead
Aliyah Boston’s path to becoming a top-tier WNBA player is still in its early stages, but she is already showing signs of greatness. With the guidance of head coach Stephanie White and the development she continues to receive both on and off the court, Boston is poised to make a significant leap in Year 3. The addition of Unrivaled to her offseason plans will provide the perfect setting for her to sharpen her skills, build her confidence, and develop a more dynamic game. With each step of her growth, Boston is getting closer to realizing her full potential—and the Fever’s future looks brighter with every move she makes.
