When Cathy Engelbert had to announce, ‘the league is looking into officiating,’ it was enough to realize the extent of the concern. From Golden State to Indiana, the voices have been loud, but perhaps none more consistent than that of Stephanie White. The Fever HC, who believes the players have gotten stronger, quicker, and bigger over time, has called for a change to better suit the era. But if you ask her star post player, Aliyah Boston, she is pulling out ‘the’ root of every complaint.

The 2023 No. 1 pick has been holding down the fort for Indiana ever since injuries have plagued the team. Averaging 15 points and 8 rebounds a night, she has been one of the best bigs in the league. But this has meant taking in the pushes and the elbows, which, according to White, have gone uncalled more often than not. “It was a physical game, you know. I think there’s a double standard in and how people get their calls,” she had said after a game against Dallas. “I think Aliyah Boston is the worst officiated post player in the league. She never gets a call.”

But Boston, for her part, has refrained from complaining. Even reacting to her coach’s comments on the latest episode of Post Moves w/ Candace Parker and Aliyah Boston, the center chose to speak for the entire league. “I feel like everyone can always be like, ‘oh everyone’s always complaining about the refs’. But I feel like everyone’s just kind of looking for consistency. Like that’s, that’s all it is.” 

Just this week, Sabrina Ionescu expressed how the Liberty were given only 8 trips to the free throw line, tilting the game one side. On the other hand, Napheesa Collier had admitted, ” It’s really frustrating when it’s not consistent on both ends,” after the Finals last season. Moreover, Boston herself has lived that reality often. Earlier this season, when Brittney Griner collided with her on an offensive move, there was no whistle. When a similar situation played out against the Aces with Boston on the other end, requiring a call on Jackie Young, it was the Fever center who was slapped with a foul.

The frustration was evident then as she walked away, disagreeing with the refs. Moreover, this inconsistency was Boston’s introduction to the league.

As a rookie, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, had hit her straight in the chest with her forearm. It wasn’t an accident. The Fever star has revealed that it was in response to a move that had previously gone uncalled. When NaLyssa Smith had screened too hard against Hamilton and she wanted a foul, the refs had said, ‘I don’t see it’. So the New York star went, “well you’ll see one the next time,” and see they did when Boston was on the receiving end. That sentiment has stayed with the young center.

“Sometimes it’s hard to find your groove because you’re like, ‘ooh, are they going to call that one? Ooh, but I just got the same thing down here,'” she added. “Like, I get told don’t fade away because then they’re not going to call it, but then my opponent fades away and it’s like, foul cuz you weren’t A to B. And I’m like, I don’t understand anymore. I don’t understand.”

But that hasn’t been the only issue that Aliyah Boston has faced this season. The six-foot-five center has been one of Indiana’s only constants through a sea of roster changes and injury replacements. Because of season-ending injuries to Aari McDonald, Sophie Cunningham, and Sydney Colson, the Fever had to recreate their entire backcourt. Let’s find out how Boston has been dealing with all the change!

“Come in and do what you do,”: Aliyah Boston gets candid about injuries and circumstances

Even though Indiana is a shoo-in for the playoffs, it’s fair to say that its season has been a disaster thus far. Injuries ruined Caitlin Clark’s sophomore year and absolutely annihilated the Indiana Fever backcourt. Colson, Cunningham, and McDonald are out for the season, and we don’t know when CC is coming back. Needless to say, the season hasn’t been ideal.

But it has definitely been tough for the frontcourt as well. Natasha Howard and Aliyah Boston have been balling out, trying to keep the team afloat in this time of crisis. However, it’s always hard to dominate without team chemistry. There needs to be a certain level of synergy between the ball handlers and the post players, and so far, Indiana doesn’t have that.

Ahead of Friday’s game against the Minnesota Lynx, a reporter asked AB7 about how tough the constant replacements have been. “Adjusting is in the name of the game,” she said, not focusing on the uncontrollables. The WNBA All-Star had a pretty simple process to stick to. “For me, it’s just about continuing to approach every game the same, trying to find out where I can get my touches. Just trying to give us extra possessions.”

In terms of establishing synergy with new teammates, Aliyah Boston emphasized the importance of early communication and sticking to what you know. Creating meaningful bonds with new teammates takes time, and the Fever doesn’t have plenty. Boston’s calculated approach to the situation is the reason Indiana is still afloat even without CC. It will be interesting to see where the six-foot-five center takes the team next!