Dreams came true yesterday evening. On Monday, Women’s National Basketball Association Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced the draft picks for the 2023 season at Spring Studios in New York City. The news comes as the NCAA women’s basketball tournament saw a record viewership during the final opposition between Louisiana State University and the University of Iowa.
1.
Aliyah Boston was picked first by the Indiana Fever, making the news finally official for WNBA fans. Both a forward and defender, Boston averaged 13 points, 9.8 rebounds and two blocks per game during her latest college campaign, according to CNN. In 2022, she became the first player to be named Naismith Women’s Defensive Player of the Year and Naismith Women’s Player of the Year, awards given to the best women college basketball players.
2.
This moment for Aliyah Boston and her family 🥹 pic.twitter.com/2tve2pBAd7
— espnW (@espnW) April 10, 2023
3.
Boston was a fixture within the Gamecocks, the team headed by coach Dawn Staley and the winner of 42 consecutive games. Four other players from the team were also selected in the 2023 WNBA draft. Victaria Saxton will join Boston at the Indiana Fever, while Brea Beal will be playing with the Minnesota Lynx. Laeticia Amihere was selected by the Atlanta Dream and Zia Cooke by the Los Angeles Sparks.
4.
According to CNN, the Minnesota Lynx will also welcome Diamond Miller, who averaged 19.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game during March Madness.
The 2023 WNBA season will also feature the return of Brittney Griner after her detainment in Russia. However, one of the sport’s brightest stars, Angel Reese, will not participate as she will become eligible in the 2024 WNBA draft.
5.
Instead, LSU’s Alexis Morris was selected by the Connecticut Sun, as she averaged 15.4 points and 2.9 rebounds. LSU’s LaDazhia Williams will join the Indiana Fever after averaging 9.9 points and six rebounds.
Find out the complete list of draft picks for 2023 here.
