Here’s a bold statement: Aliyah Boston is not just a rising star in the WNBA—she’s already a force to be reckoned with, and some are drawing comparisons to the league’s undisputed queen, A’ja Wilson. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can Boston truly follow in Wilson’s footsteps, or is she carving her own path entirely? Let’s dive in.
At just 24 years old, Aliyah Boston has already cemented her status as one of the WNBA’s elite. A three-time All-Star, she earned spots on both the All-WNBA Second Team and the All-Defensive Second Team last season. What’s striking is that she’s no longer just one of the best young players in the league—she’s one of the best, period. In a league brimming with talented bigs, this is no small feat.
Speaking of bigs, A’ja Wilson stands head and shoulders above the rest. With three championships since 2022, back-to-back Finals MVP titles in 2023 and 2025, four regular-season MVP awards, and three Defensive Player of the Year honors, Wilson is the undisputed best player in the world. Her dominance in blocks and points has set a standard that few can match. And this is the part most people miss: Wilson’s trajectory has her on course to become the WNBA’s Greatest of All Time (GOAT). So, when someone compares a young player to Wilson, it’s not just praise—it’s a coronation.
Enter Kelsey Plum, Boston’s teammate on Unrivaled, who recently drew that very comparison. During an appearance on Post Moves, Boston’s podcast with Candace Parker, Plum shared her admiration: ‘Playing against you, I already knew you were a force offensively, but being your teammate and seeing how you dominate the paint on both ends? It reminds me so much of A’ja. You just throw it in the vicinity, and you know it’s going to work. You make me look good out there.’ High praise indeed.
Both Boston and Wilson honed their skills at the University of South Carolina under the guidance of Dawn Staley. Wilson, who played from 2014 to 2018, led the Gamecocks to a championship in 2017 and racked up accolades like the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player award, AP and Naismith College Player of the Year honors, the Lisa Leslie Award, and the Wade Trophy. She left as the program’s all-time leading scorer, with her jersey retired in her honor.
Boston followed in 2019, leading the Gamecocks to their own national championship in 2022 and earning many of the same individual awards. Like Wilson, she entered the WNBA as the number one draft pick and seamlessly transitioned to the pro game. But here’s the question: While Boston’s path mirrors Wilson’s in many ways, can she truly reach the same heights in the WNBA? Or is she destined to forge her own legacy?
As it stands, Boston’s future is undeniably bright. Barring another injury-plagued season, she could lead the Fever deep into the playoffs and add another All-WNBA selection to her resume. Dawn Staley has even predicted that Boston will eventually win an MVP award. Yet, the shadow of A’ja Wilson looms large. Will Boston catch up, or will she redefine what success looks like for a big in the WNBA?
What do you think? Is Aliyah Boston the next A’ja Wilson, or is she on a path all her own? Let’s spark the debate in the comments!
