As Aliyah Boston prepares for her debut in Unrivaled, the new 3v3 women’s basketball league, the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year is focused on refining her game in preparation for the upcoming WNBA season with the Indiana Fever. The Fever forward has already been actively training, working closely with the franchise’s new player development coach Keith Porter, who is part of head coach Stephanie White’s revamped coaching staff. With an eye on improving various aspects of her play, particularly her defense and offensive poise, Boston is aiming to take her game to the next level, both for her club team and in the new 3v3 league that promises to offer unique challenges and development opportunities.
In a recent interview with IndyStar, Boston reflected on the progress she’s made over the offseason and what she expects from her involvement in Unrivaled. The newly formed 3v3 league, known for its more compact and fast-paced nature, is a fitting arena for Boston to test and hone her skills. With its emphasis on shorter games and more intense one-on-one matchups, Unrivaled will present her with a new set of challenges that will only contribute to her growth as a player, especially with her defensive skills.
Boston’s commitment to improving her game has been evident throughout her offseason preparation, and she’s already seeing results. When discussing her training with Coach Porter, Boston noted that they were specifically working on developing her abilities in the mid-post area and improving her confidence when taking shots. This is a critical area for Boston, as her scoring game last season was solid, but there’s always room for growth, particularly in the mid-range. “Just continuing to be quick but also poised in the mid-post, especially just being confident taking my shots,” Boston explained.
Her work on becoming more effective in the mid-post is not only crucial for her development as an offensive threat but also for her confidence in taking on defenders in key moments during games. A well-rounded skill set in both the post and from the perimeter will make her an even more dynamic player, and that’s exactly what the Fever are hoping to see from her in her second year.
Despite her excellent performance in her rookie season with the Fever, Boston is not satisfied with her accomplishments. Her impressive stat line from 2023 — 14 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game — showcases her ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game, but as Boston herself said, she is always looking for ways to get better. With the guidance of Porter, she is focusing on more specific skills that will elevate her overall performance.
How 3v3 Will Help Boston Improve Her Defense
One aspect of her game that Boston is particularly excited about working on is her defense. While her offensive game has received much attention due to her accolades as the top pick in the 2023 draft, Boston is determined to improve on both sides of the ball in 2024. Her time spent playing in Unrivaled, she believes, will play a key role in improving her defensive skills.
Boston believes that the nature of the 3v3 format, particularly the way it is played on a compressed court, will sharpen her defensive abilities. Unlike the standard FIBA rules and the 5v5 format in the WNBA, the 3v3 games in Unrivaled are played on a smaller court with dimensions of 70 feet by 50 feet. This means less space to maneuver, leading to more one-on-one and quick decisions in both offense and defense.
The reduced size of the court forces players to adapt quickly and stay engaged throughout the game, requiring defenders to be hyper-aware of their positioning and defensive rotations. In particular, players are forced to adjust their defensive techniques, as the compact space makes it much harder to rely on conventional defensive strategies. Boston believes that this type of environment, which forces players to defend in tight spaces, will help her build her footwork, on-ball defense, and awareness of when to make quick reads.
Defending in such an intense and fast-paced setting, she feels, will translate well to the WNBA, where the pace and space can vary depending on the opponent. “The compressed full court will help me with my defense,” she said, citing that this format of play will not only improve her individual defense but also help her become more agile and effective at reading offensive players. Being forced to keep up with fast and skilled 3v3 competitors, particularly those with quick moves and sharp shooting, will force Boston to elevate her defensive instincts.
Her work with Porter is particularly focused on how she can take these 3v3 experiences and apply them to her WNBA play, where defense is equally important. In the WNBA, Boston already excels at protecting the rim and fighting for rebounds, but her ability to lock down on-ball and help defense will be enhanced by her exposure to the frenetic pace and high stakes of Unrivaled games.
The Future of Aliyah Boston and the Fever
Boston’s determination to improve, coupled with the exciting opportunities presented by Unrivaled, means that the Fever can expect even greater performances from their star forward in the 2025 season. The league’s condensed 3v3 playstyle will be invaluable in developing her as a complete player.
Additionally, the Fever, under the leadership of new head coach Stephanie White, will rely heavily on Boston to continue evolving into a dominant force both offensively and defensively. With the franchise’s leadership focused on development and culture-building, having a player like Boston continue to push herself and grow is crucial to the Fever’s long-term success. While Clark’s leadership will undoubtedly continue to be the focal point of the Fever’s offense, Boston’s growth into a well-rounded, confident, and multi-dimensional player will be key to making the Fever a legitimate title contender in the near future.
Boston’s second year in the WNBA, combined with her 3v3 training experience, should only enhance her impact on the Fever. The league’s most promising young forward is poised for even greater things in the 2025 season. With a commitment to defensive improvements and her continued offensive development, Boston will continue to be a centerpiece for the Fever and could help lead them back to the postseason and beyond.
As the Fever prepare for the 2025 season, Boston’s contributions on both sides of the ball will be critical. Between her work with Coach Porter and the added layer of development she will gain from Unrivaled, Boston is positioning herself to be one of the most well-rounded players in the league and a cornerstone for Indiana’s future success. The Fever have already seen flashes of her immense potential, and the upcoming season is set to reveal just how far she can take her game.
