South Carolina Gamecocks superstar Aliyah Boston has made an important decision about her future.
In a social media post, Naismith’s 2023 Defensive Player of the Year announced that she is forgoing her final year of eligibility and declaring for the WNBA Draft.
«God makes no mistakes this show has been so good to me and my family. I wouldn’t trade these last 4 years for anything. Love Rooster Nation,» Boston wrote in a tweet Saturday.
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She added that leaving South Carolina is the «next best decision» for her.
«Right now, I am truly out of breath as I make the next best decision of my life,» she wrote. «I have decided to continue pursuing my dream by declaring for the 2023 WNBA draft.»
His decision comes after South Carolina’s undefeated season came to a close on Friday night. Iowa star Caitlin Clark scored a record 41 points, leading the Hawkeyes to a 77-73 upset victory in the Final Four.
Boston helped South Carolina win its second national title last season and is a three-time unanimous All-American.
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Boston won the Wooden Award in 2022 and was a finalist again this season. He is expected to be the first pick in the April 10 draft. Indiana Fever has the first pick.
Boston had the option to stay with the Gamecocks for a fifth season because their 2019-29 season was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
She said she had not yet decided to turn pro when questioned by reporters after the game against Iowa on Friday. But Boston made her decision with the blessing of head coach Dawn Staley.
«I’m going to tell him to go away,» Staley said Saturday. «There are defenses stacked against her that don’t allow her to play her game, and it’s hard to officiate that. So I would tell her to go. She’s great. She’s ready. She’s ready to see individual coverage. She’s ready.» to take the next step in the league.»
Boston began playing for South Carolina in 2019. Two years prior to joining the program, Staley led the Gamecocks to the first national title in program history.
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The Boston college resume tells a story of mastery. She anchored the team for four seasons. South Carolina appeared in three straight Final Fours with Boston handling the starting center duties.