In a recent interview, Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White revealed that Aliyah Boston, the team’s standout forward and the first overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, is drawing inspiration from none other than Nikola Jokic, the three-time NBA MVP. This revelation comes in light of Boston’s impressive performance during her third season, where she continues to elevate her game and set new records.
Despite the Fever’s recent 100-91 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, Boston’s individual achievements have been nothing short of remarkable. She has consistently shone on the court, earning All-Star honors in each of her three seasons and recently breaking the franchise record for the most consecutive double-doubles, surpassing Caitlin Clark. In her latest game against the Sparks, Boston recorded 15 points, 4 assists, and 9 rebounds, showcasing her all-around skills.
This season has been particularly notable for Boston, who is averaging 15.5 points and 3.8 assists per game, surpassing her previous career highs. White attributes much of Boston’s growth to her dedication and willingness to learn from the best. During an appearance on ESPN’s “NBA Today,” White emphasized that Boston has often been underrated and deserves more recognition for her contributions to the game.
Interestingly, when asked about which NBA players Boston is studying to enhance her skills, White did not mention household names like LeBron James or Stephen Curry. Instead, she highlighted Jokic’s unique style of play as a significant source of inspiration for Boston. “In the offseason, I said, ‘I want you to watch Jokic,'” White explained, indicating that she sees parallels between Jokic’s game and Boston’s potential.
While Boston and Jokic have different playing styles, their shared attributes—such as height, skill, and basketball IQ—make Jokic an ideal role model for the 6-foot-5 forward. Boston’s ability to adapt elements of Jokic’s game into her own is a testament to her commitment to continuous improvement. As she develops her unique style, Boston is also becoming a role model for other players, further solidifying her place in the league.
As the WNBA season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on Boston’s development and how she incorporates lessons from Jokic into her game. With her impressive track record and the guidance of her coach, the sky’s the limit for Aliyah Boston as she continues to make her mark in the league.