Aliyah Boston, the Indiana Fever‘s towering 6’5″ forward, continues to impress as a dominant presence on the basketball court. Combining her offensive and defensive skills with consistent performance, Boston solidifies her reputation as one of the league’s standout players since being selected first in the 2023 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/wnba/”>WNBA draft. Her remarkable talent and dedication have earned her All-Star selections for three consecutive seasons and the rare distinction of being a unanimous recipient of the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year award—the first to do so in over two decades.
Using her 220-pound frame, Boston exerts control inside the paint, adeptly holding her ground against the toughest opponents. Her blend of power, agility, and skill has made her indispensable to her team’s success.
Origins and Family Support Behind Boston’s Rise
Aliyah Boston was born on December 11, 2001, in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, to Cleone and Algernon. Raised in a family deeply rooted in faith and community values, she credits her upbringing for shaping her resilience and character. Boston’s mother, Cleone, is actively involved with the Miracle Babies Foundation, reflecting the family’s commitment to altruism.
When Aliyah was 12 years old, she and her older sister Alexis relocated to Massachusetts to live with their aunt Jenaire Hodge and cousin Kira Punter to access enhanced educational and athletic opportunities. Though this move meant they saw their parents primarily during Aliyah’s AAU basketball games, the support from her family remained unwavering, serving as a pillar throughout her development and career.
The Story Behind Boston’s Relationship with Tre-Vaughn Minott
Aliyah Boston’s basketball journey is intertwined with her romantic relationship with Tre-Vaughn Minott, a former South Carolina teammate. Minott, born April 22, 2001, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is the son of Michelle and has a sister named Ann-Marie Wright. Standing at 6’9″, Minott currently plays forward for the Portland State Vikings, after transferring from the University of South Carolina, where he met Boston.
Their relationship began when Minott broke the ice at USC with a joke, which blossomed into a meaningful connection. Beyond basketball, Minott pursued a major in sport and entertainment management during his time in South Carolina. Along with his athletic pursuits, he is an accomplished musician, proficient in seven instruments including piano, drums, and trumpet, and produces music under the name Tellavision Minott.
Tre-Vaughn Minott’s Journey and Impact on the Court
While at South Carolina, Minott played a limited role, averaging 0.4 points in 2.6 minutes per game during his final season. After transferring to Portland State, he dramatically improved his physical condition and on-court contributions. During the 2024-25 season, Minott earned the Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year award and secured a spot on the All-Defensive Team.
Minott anchored the league’s best defense, averaging 1.8 blocks and 7.7 rebounds per game, and shot an efficient 66.4 percent from the field. He also set school records with 156 team blocks and 44 dunks, helping Portland State dominate in scoring defense, field-goal defense, three-point defense, steals, and blocks throughout the season.
The Significance of Boston’s Basketball and Personal Journey
Aliyah Boston’s rise from the U.S. Virgin Islands to becoming a WNBA star reflects her unwavering dedication and hard work. Her family’s support, grounded in faith and community, has been a foundational force in her development. Similarly, her relationship with Tre-Vaughn Minott highlights the personal connections forged through basketball and mutual growth on and off the court.
As Boston continues to excel with the Indiana Fever, her story serves as an inspiring example of how talent, resilience, and meaningful relationships contribute to success in professional sports. Fans will be watching closely to see how both Boston and Minott progress in their careers, emphasizing the growing impact of their basketball and personal journeys.