Why former South Carolina star Aliyah Boston played so little in WNBA All-Star Game

Jul 26, 2026 - 03:00

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Once again, South Carolina women's basketball was represented well at the WNBA All-Star Game.

Former Gamecocks A'ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston and Allisha Gray participated in the game on July 25 at United Center in Chicago. All three played for Team Spoon, which won 129-122 over Team Coop. Boston and Wilson were starters.

Boston's time on the court was scarce, however. ESPN reporter Holly Rowe explained during the third quarter that Boston was resting for an upcoming game after the All-Star break.

"Because of that big game Tuesday in Seattle, Aliyah Boston actually went to her coach Cheryl Reeve here in the All-Star Game and said, 'Hey, I don't want to play as much because I want to be fresh for that game. We've got to get right back on the road,' " Rowe said. "So that's why we're not seeing Aliyah Boston as much in this game. She's got bigger plans ahead."

Boston and the Indiana Fever play their first post-All-Star game against the Seattle Storm on July 28. Boston finished the All-Star Game with just one rebound and zero points in five minutes.

Wilson scored 12 points on 6-for-13 shooting with three rebounds in 14 minutes. Gray played the most of the three, logging 21 minutes and finishing with 19 points on 7-for-14 shooting. She scored five 3-pointers on nine attempts.

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley honored at WNBA All-Star Game

South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley was also in attendance. She was one of many former players honored on the court pregame as part of the WNBA's 30th anniversary celebration.

Before becoming a coach, Staley played nine seasons in the WNBA with the Houston Comets and Charlotte Sting. She was named an All-Star five times.