Aliyah Boston has never lacked recognition, but the Indiana Fever forward is entering a new phase of her career. While Caitlin Clark has attracted much of the spotlight surrounding the Fever, Boston’s steady dominance has quietly positioned her among the league’s most complete young players.

And now, one of the sport’s most celebrated coaches believes her former star is closing in on the WNBA’s biggest individual award.

Indiana selected Boston with the number one pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, one year before adding Clark to the roster.

The intention was clear at the time: build a future contender around a centerpiece who could anchor the frontcourt for years. Boston delivered on that belief almost immediately.

She earned All-Star honors as a rookie, collected Rookie of the Year, and showed the kind of poise and versatility that made her the top prospect in her class.

Her progression since that first season has only strengthened her reputation. With Clark missing most of the 2024 campaign due to injury, Boston became the Fever’s primary option and expanded her offensive responsibilities.

The result was a third professional season that confirmed her as one of the WNBA‘s most well-rounded players. She averaged 15 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.9 blocks, showcasing the breadth of her impact on both ends of the floor.

A former coach sees MVP potential

Dawn Staley has watched Boston‘s rise closer than most. The legendary South Carolina coach helped guide her during four standout years in Columbia, a run highlighted by a 2022 national championship and a reputation for consistency that made her one of the most polished prospects in recent college basketball history.

Seeing her continued development in the pros, Staley did not hesitate to voice her belief in the direction Boston is headed.

“I think she’s on her way to being the MVP,” Staley said. “Because she works extremely hard at her craft.”

Staley’s comments carry weight given her track record of identifying and nurturing elite talent. Her praise underscores what Boston has become for Indiana: a stabilizing force who has grown each season regardless of the team’s broader circumstances.

Whether surrounded by a young core or asked to carry additional responsibility, Boston has delivered reliability, leadership, and growth.