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WATCH: Aliyah Boston has priceless reaction to winning 2022 John Wooden Award

by: Austin Brezina04/05/22AustinBrezina59

South Carolina’s Aliyah Boston had a special moment with her reaction caught on camera, as she was told she had won the Wooden Award live on ESPN. While speaking live with the broadcast team about the Gamecocks championship win just one day before, the broadcast team informed Boston she was announced as the 2022 Wooden Award winner live. A visibly excited Boston couldn’t believe she was hearing the news, as her amazing streak of wins on and off the court continued.

She is the second player from South Carolina to win the award after A’ja Wilson won in 2018. Boston now has a national championship and the Wooden Award to go along with her Naismith, Associated Press and Women’s Basketball Coaches Association player of the year awards for this season.

Aliyah Boston wins Wooden award

Boston led one of the most dominant women’s NCAA teams in history this season, remaining the No. 1 ranked team in the nation the entire year. She averaged 16.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game — and set an SEC record with 27-straight double-doubles.

Last season, the Gamecocks made it to the Final Four, trailing by one with the ball at the buzzer. Boston’s attempted the game-winning shot in the final seconds of the game, but her miss meant another long year of waiting for a second chance. South Carolina took the most of their opportunity this year, dominating the nation throughout the season. In the national title game against UConn, Boston had 11 points, 16 rebounds, three assists and two blocks.

Boston shares moment with Candace Parker

Boston, who was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player, spotted her basketball idol Candace Parker in the stands as South Carolina stood on the stage celebrating their title victory. When Boston was given the microphone to speak, she immediately gave a shoutout to Parker, which led to a great moment following the game.

“Hey, Candace Parker, I’d like to say hi,” Boston said. “I love you girl.”

Parker responded to Boston’s message from across the court, creating a special moment following the title game.

“I love you,” Parker responded. “So proud of you.”