One of the most decorated players in South Carolina basketball history, Aliyah Boston had a decision to make regarding her future. She could either head off to the WNBA, where she’d likely be the top overall pick, or she could stay for another year at South Carolina, utilizing the “Covid redshirt” that granted an extra year of eligibility to all active players from the 2020 Covid shutdown.
Shortly after the Gamecocks fell to Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Final Four, Boston had her mind made up on what was next. The 6’5″ post player would be moving on to the professional ranks. The former National Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year is expected to be the obvious selection at the top of next week’s draft, a pick currently owned by the Indiana Fever.
If selected #1, Boston would become the second Gamecock taken with the first pick, joining fellow top-2 player in program history A’Ja Wilson. If picked by the Fever, Boston would be reunited with former point guard and national champion teammate Destanni Henderson.
It was a difficult decision for Boston to forego her extra year of eligibility because of how much she loves the University of South Carolina and her teammates. However, Boston was advised by her head coach to make the jump to the next level. Coach Staley told the media, “I’m going to tell her to go” and “She’s ready to make the next step to the League” when asked about her advice for her star player. She also said that the double-teams and triple-teams that she faced in the college game won’t really exist in the WNBA, so it would be better for Boston’s game for her to move on.
Boston’s teammates Zia Cooke, Brea Beal, Laeticia Amihere, and Kamilla Cardoso will also have to make their decisions soon. Beal has implied she is ready to move on. Cooke and Amihere have been non-commital when asked about their plans in recent weeks, and Cardoso has said she plans to return to South Carolina but that nothing is set in stone for her.