When we think of basketball hubs that have quietly taken over the scene, you’ve got to give the Caribbean its flowers. From Hall of Famers like Tim Duncan to present-day powerhouses like Jonquel Jones, it’s been producing talent straight off those golden shores. Even the NBA’s had a taste of that magic with DeAndre Ayton going No. 1. But then came a game-changer for the W – the Indiana Fever’s 2023 top pick, Aliyah Boston.
Coming in as one of the biggest names in college hoops, Boston didn’t waste any time proving she was the one. After bagging Rookie of the Year and back-to-back All-Star nods in her first two years she kicks off her third season, still dominating like it’s no big deal. So, it’s time we zoom in and appreciate where all this greatness comes from.
Where is Aliyah Boston from? What’s her nationality?
Aliyah Boston is an American born in Saint Thomas, U.S. Her parents, Algernon and Cleone Boston, probably didn’t know that handing little Aliyah a basketball would change their lives. But it did. At 9 years old, while watching her older sister Alexis hoop, Aliyah caught the bug. Soon enough, she was on the court – often the only girl there – and she held her own like a pro.
Thing is, while she was making noise back home, the competition wasn’t quite up to her level. So at 12, big change…Aliyah and Alexis moved to New England to live with their aunt Jenaire Hodge and cousin Kira Punter. She only saw her parents a few times after that. Big sacrifice? But that’s what chasing dreams looks like, right?
Apr 10, 2023; New York, NY, USA; Aliyah Boston poses for a photo with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being drafted first overall by the Indiana Fever during WNBA Draft 2023 at Spring Studio. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Fast forward to high school, Aliyah shined at Worcester Academy in Massachusetts. Three-time Gatorade Massachusetts Player of the Year, back-to-back NEPSAC titles, and a spot in both the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic. Also, she was a five-star recruit and ranked third in the nation by ESPN. All in all, she was already a whole problem before college.
While with time the world finally turned its eyes towards the next big thing in basketball, her parents knew all along. They saw it coming before the rest of the world even tuned in. “We expected her to be successful,” her father said once. Now, not just her family, she is her entire hometown’s pride. To date, when she goes back home, it’s full royal treatment. Friends, family, neighbors – they all come out with the warmest island welcome.
What is Aliyah Boston’s ethnicity and religion?
There’s no publicly confirmed info about her ethnicity or religion but if you’ve followed Aliyah for even a minute, you know that faith is a massive part of her journey. “When I first started playing, it was kind of just for fun,” she once said, “but then I realized how much you could get out of playing. So we’ve all had faith in God that I could; my goal is to go to college with a scholarship. God has helped us with that.” That was way back in high school.
Faith wasn’t just a side note for her, it was the foundation. And that is what happened when you grow up in family that does Bible study almost every night. During college, she also opened up about how tough the COVID period was, and how leaning into her faith helped her through the chaos.
“My faith helps me on the court because I am more patient, and I know God has already equipped our team with victory. And if anything happens I don’t think it should have happened, I just know it’s because of Him,” she believes.
Which college did Aliyah Boston attend?
Back in 2019, Aliyah Boston made a decision that would change the course of South Carolina basketball history. Turning down offers from UConn, Ohio State, and Notre Dame, she committed to Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks, sealing the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class. What followed was a legendary four-year run that cemented her as one of the most decorated players in NCAA women’s basketball history. South Carolina’s all-time leader in rebounds made an instant impact.
As a freshman, she played a key role in the No. 1 Gamecocks’ first-ever win over UConn and was named National Freshman of the Year. Her sophomore season brought more accolades – consensus First Team All-American for the second year in a row and National Player of the Year by The Athletic. Then came the historic 2022 season. Boston led South Carolina to a national title and earned NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors.
However, her senior year had its highs and heartbreaks. The Gamecocks reached the Final Four but fell to Iowa in a 77–73 thriller, ending their 42-game win streak. Still, Boston closed out her collegiate career as a unanimous First Team All-American for the third straight year and the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year.
During her tenure, South Carolina won two SEC tournament titles, made three Final Four appearances, and secured the 2022 championship and an undefeated 2023 regular season. But, you know, Boston’s impact went beyond stats. She gave that program everything – hustle, heart, sacrifice. Just when fans thought they’d never see another player like A’ja Wilson, along came Boston. In a program once defined by Wilson, she became the next iconic figure.
NCAA, College League, USA Womens Basketball: Georgia at South Carolina Feb 26, 2023 Columbia, South Carolina, USA South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley and forward Aliyah Boston 4 pose with the 2023 SEC Regular Season Championship trophy following their win over the Georgia Lady Bulldogs at Colonial Life Arena. Columbia Colonial Life Arena South Carolina USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJeffxBlakex 20230226_anw_ay3_0625
Even with her freshman season cut short by COVID, she gave fans a glimpse of greatness early and left Columbia as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft. Now wearing the Fever jersey, she’s still the same selfless leader – sacrificing for her team, celebrating her teammates, and proudly carrying the franchise forward.
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