Sports

Fever forward Aliyah Boston named WNBA rookie of year in landslide vote

Aliyah Boston of the Indiana Fever had an incredible first season and was recognized as WNBA rookie of the year on Monday after averaging 14.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks.

Top draft pick chosen on each ballot of 60-person national media panel

Two female basketball players battle for control of the ball during an WNBA game.
Aliyah Boston left, was a unanimous choice Monday as WNBA top rookie after the forward averaged 14.5 points and 8.4 rebounds while shooting 57.8 per cent from the field for the Fever. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Aliyah Boston of the Indiana Fever had an incredible first season and was recognized as WNBA rookie of the year on Monday.

The No. 1 pick in the draft started every game for Indiana averaging 14.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks. The forward shot 57.8 per cent from the field and became the first rookie to lead the league in that stat.

The South Carolina graduate was a unanimous choice by the 60-person national media panel, becoming the fifth rookie to be chosen on every ballot and first since A'ja Wilson did it in 2018.

Boston became the second Fever player to ever win the award, joining Tamika Catchings.

She headlined the league's all-rookie team that also included Seattle's Jordan Horston, Washington's Li Meng and the Minnesota duo of Dorka Juhasz and Diamond Miller.

The Fever won 13 games this past season, more than double their total from a year ago. Indiana missed the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year but have the best chance at winning the draft lottery and getting the No. 1 pick again.

Add some “good” to your morning and evening.

Get up to speed on what's happening in sports. Delivered weekdays.

...

The next issue of The Buzzer will soon be in your inbox.

Discover all CBC newsletters in the Subscription Centre.opens new window

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Google Terms of Service apply.