Dawn Staley, legendary South Carolina head coach and prominent figure in women’s basketball, has sparked a major conversation in the WNBA community after publicly endorsing one of Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever teammates as a legitimate MVP candidate. The declaration came during a recent interview, and fans have been buzzing ever since—not just because of Staley’s influence in the sport, but because her praise signals a growing national recognition for a player once overshadowed by Clark’s record-breaking collegiate career.
While Clark has undeniably drawn most of the spotlight since entering the league, Staley turned the focus to the rising impact of her teammate, praising her leadership, two-way excellence, and consistency. “You want to talk about Most Valuable? Come see her in Indiana,” Staley said. “She does the dirty work, sets the tone, and delivers every night. That quieted the critics.”
Though Staley didn’t initially name the player in question, it was quickly clear from the context and fan reactions that she was referring to Aliyah Boston, the former No. 1 pick and reigning Rookie of the Year. Boston, who also played under Staley for Team USA in youth competitions and has been on her radar since high school, has taken a massive leap in her sophomore season with the Fever. Her averages in points, rebounds, and blocks have soared, and she’s consistently served as the anchor of the Fever’s defense while becoming a more dominant force on offense.
Fans on social media were quick to amplify Staley’s comments. Hashtags like #WNBA MVP and #AliyahBoston trended shortly after the interview aired. “Dawn Staley is spot on,” one fan wrote on X. “Aliyah Boston doesn’t just play the game—she elevates everyone around her.” Others praised the timing of the endorsement, noting how much Boston’s efforts had gone unnoticed by national media compared to the attention Clark regularly receives.
Some critics who had previously questioned whether the Fever had enough talent around Clark to compete at a high level have now been forced to reconsider. Boston’s development, combined with her chemistry with Clark, has transformed the Indiana Fever into a legitimate playoff contender. While Clark continues to dazzle with her long-range shooting and court vision, it’s Boston’s interior dominance and leadership that have helped solidify the team’s identity.
Analysts have echoed Staley’s sentiments as well. ESPN’s Andraya Carter called Boston “the most complete big in the league under 25,” while others compared her presence to veterans like A’ja Wilson and Jonquel Jones. The MVP discussion has typically centered around those seasoned stars, but Boston’s breakout performance this season is starting to shift the narrative.
Staley’s endorsement holds significant weight. As one of the most respected voices in the game, her acknowledgment of Boston’s value doesn’t just boost her MVP case—it also reinforces the importance of team balance and player development in today’s WNBA. By highlighting Boston’s role, Staley may also be helping to broaden the conversation beyond just scoring and highlight plays.
As the WNBA season progresses, all eyes will remain on the Indiana Fever—not just because of Caitlin Clark’s presence, but because of the emerging dominance of Aliyah Boston. And if her performances continue to match the hype, Dawn Staley’s words might just become prophetic come MVP voting time.
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