Boston Named a Lisa Leslie Award Finalist
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina senior Aliyah Boston was named a finalist for the 2023 Lisa Leslie Award, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association announced today. She has won the award three times in its five years of existence recognizing the top centers in women’s NCAA Division I college basketball.
The two-time SEC Player of the Year and the reigning National Player of the Year, Boston is the only player in the country ranked in the top five of both offensive and defensive player rating, leading the SEC in both categories. Her 13.3 points and 9.7 rebounds per game on the season go up dramatically against ranked opponents to 16.8 points and 11.7 rebounds. Her 18 double-doubles rank sixth in the NCAA. Despite playing just 25.8 minutes per game, Boston is among the NCAA top 30 in rebounding average and blocks per game (2.0).
Fans can support their favorite players in the remaining rounds by participating in Fan Voting, presented by Dell Technologies, starting today on hoophallawards.com. The Fan Vote will count as one committee vote during the finalist selection process.
The five finalists will be presented to Leslie and the Hall of Fame’s selection committee. The Selection Committee for the Lisa Leslie Award is composed of top women’s college basketball personnel including media members, head coaches, sports information directors and Hall of Famers.
The winner of the 2023 Lisa Leslie Award will be presented on a to be determined date, along with the other four members of the Women’s Starting Five. Additional awards being presented include the Nancy Lieberman Award (Point Guard), Ann Meyers Drysdale Award (Shooting Guard), Cheryl Miller Award (Small Forward) and the Katrina McClain Award (Power Forward), in addition to the Men’s Starting Five.
SEC Champion and No. 1/1 South Carolina (29-0, 16-0 SEC) is back in action on Fri., Mar. 3, in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals in Greenville, S.C, facing either No. 8-seed Arkansas or No. 9-seed Missouri. Tipoff is set for noon on SEC Network.
Stay tuned to GamecocksOnline.com and the team’s social media accounts (@GamecockWBB) for more information on the 2022-23 season ahead.
2023 Lisa Leslie Award Finalists
Aliyah Boston, South Carolina
Jessika Carter, Mississippi State
Monika Czinano, Iowa
Mackenzie Holmes, Indiana
Elizabeth Kitley, Virginia Tech
