Aliyah Boston Named 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year; All-Rookie Team Announced
After sweeping three of the four Rookie of the Month Awards this season so far, it’s no surprise that Indiana Fever center Aliyah Boston is the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year. As the most impactful rookie of the season, the top 2023 WNBA Draft pick solidified herself in the record books on multiple occasions this past regular season becoming a consummate shot-blocker and rebounder in the pro ranks.
She received a unanimous selection from all 60 members of a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. She is the second player to win the honor with Indiana, joining Tamika Catchings (2002). Last month, the South Carolina alumna also won the Associated Press Rookie of the Year.
Highlights of Boston’s season:
- Named the WNBA Rookie of the Month in three of the four months of the season (May, June, and August).
- Shot a league-high 57.8% from the field, becoming the first rookie to lead the league in that category in a season.
- Averaged 14.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocked shots in 31.2 minutes in 40 games.
- Selected as a starter for the 2023 WNBA All-Star Game, becoming the sixth rookie to start an All-Star Game and the first since 2014.
- Finished the season with a rookie-leading 11 double-doubles.
- She is only the fifth player in league history to get a unanimous Rookie of the Year selection.
The 6-5 Boston highlights the 2023 WNBA All-Rookie Team. She is the ninth player in franchise history to make the WNBA All-Rookie Team, joining NaLyssa Smith (2022), Queen Egbo (2022), Julie Allemand (2020), Teaira McCowan (2019), Kelsey Mitchell (2018), Tiffany Mitchell (2016), Natalie Achonwa (2015) and Tan White (2005).
Boston will receive $5,150 and a trophy for earning the award.
2023 WNBA All-Rookie Team
Aliyah Boston, Indiana Fever
Diamond Miller, Minnesota Lynx
Dorka Juhász, Minnesota Lynx
Jordan Horston, Seattle Storm
Li Meng, Washington Mystics
