“Wait… I got the tech?” Aliyah Boston questioned a media member who brought up the now-infamous ‘Caitlin Clark foul.’  Then, looking flabbergasted, she blurted out, “Oh nooo!” covering her face. Yep, not exactly the news you’d want to end your day with. But on the rollercoaster of a day that was Saturday, the Fever big probably had something better to not let the gleam fade off her face. This wasn’t about the dominant win. It was something you’d trace back to Dawn Staley and South Carolina. And let’s just say fans are all in for it.

Indiana Fever vs Chicago Sky season opener was exactly the kind of conversation starter you’d expect out of a high-profile matchup. Stephanie White’s squad showed exactly why they are in ‘championship contender’ talks when they finished 93-58. Then blew up the whole Caitlin Clark – Angel Reese drama. Boston, too, unintentionally became a part of it when she joined in to de-escalate the situation and drew a technical.

But before this movie played out and Boston had to hear the shocker in the post-game press, she had another surprise awaiting her.

Right before the game tipped off, rapper Plies gifted the former Gamecocks forward a diamond necklace right on the court. Aliyah’s eyes glittered as the rapper put it on her. “Find People That Deserves The Support & Support Them!!! @aa_boston Is One Of Them Ones!!” Plies said. “It’s so fyeee🔥 thank youu!!” Boston replied in a quote tweet.

This is a scene not new to WNBA courts or to Dawn Staley’s.

The W stars have known the land of gift-giving well and often. Remember the box of gifts Kelsey Plum received from Tom Brady himself?– A signed jersey and a message reading, “Kelsey, you are amazing. L.F.G.” Then there was Megan Thee Stallion’s bottle of Armand de Brignac for Angel Reese and Taylor Swift’s four bags of “Eras Tour” merchandise alongside a note for Caitlin Clark.

Having celebrities fill up the courtside in a growing women’s league is an uptick in itself. Just ask Liberty’s Shana Stephenson who goes through an extensive invite process to assemble the right lineup– people who align with “women empowerment, gender equality and equity.” Last year, when they saw Kamala Harris’ stepdaughter, Ella Emhoff, on the visiting bench, Stephenson had admitted, “Having [Emhoff] at our game was really special as well. She’s so influential in her own way.” But being made aware of the recognition through gestures as those aforementioned? That seals.

And that’s a perk Dawn Staley has been living for a while now. The rapper valued at $14 million has been a staunch Gamecock and its HC’s fan. Earlier this year, he had sent an iced-out chain of an NCAA championship trophy with an embed of every season Staley has won a championship in Columbia.

“U’ve Given So Much To So Many!!! If I Had To Describe A “HERO” It Would Be U!!!! I Pray For U Everyday B/c So Many Of Us Need U!! U Inspire Me & U’ve Proven We Can Reach The Highest Of Heights. W/o Compromising Our Integrity!! I Love U For Being U!! Love Ya Coach!” he’d say in a tweet. That admiration? That’s been extended to the Gamecocks squad. And fans can’t help but think back to the program and the coach as Boston received her chain on Saturday.

Fans react to Plies’ expensive gift to a former Gamecocks player

Plies has been the biggest Gamecocks and Dawn Staley fan for years now. The Grammy-nominated rapper is often seen courtside at South Carolina games, shouting instructions like any other fan. Now the spectators have noticed the same trend from the rapper after he bought that bling for Aliyah– they are impressed, showering the artist with love and affection.

“I love the fact that Plies shows love to Carolina players both present and former!” one of the comments read.

Earlier this year, the rapper was also featured on ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ as a celebrity guest picker for the Gamecocks’ game against UConn, showcasing his enthusiasm and interest in the team. The rapper had picked South Carolina as the obvious winner saying, “It’s a simple one for me. I think (UConn coach) Geno (Auriemma) is phenomenal for what he’s done, but I think we have a very, very special freshman in Joyce Edwards. I like South Carolina in this one.” The consistency has fans gushing. 

“Plies supporting the SC girls makes my heart melt,” one wrote on Instagram.

Another fan mentioned the same thing, writing, “Love how he show up for the South Carolina girls.” This is not the first time that Plies has shown up with gifts. He brought several customized presents to each player when he went for the game against UConn. For example, a stick of butter for MiLaysia Fulwiley, whose nickname and Instagram handle is “laywitdabutter.” The admiration is evident.

“He loves the South Carolina girls,” came a comment. When the Gamecocks went against Duke in Elight 8 earlier this year, the rapper had even put up a post praying for his team. “Give them the strength, courage, and wisdom they need,” a part of his tweet read. That was a minor part of his involvement throughout. And his efforts aren’t going wasted. While Staley had put up a long message of gratitude after receiving the chain, amazement was visible on Boston’s face.

“AB’s reaction is so humble and endearing,” wrote another. The 2023 ROTY looked full of genuine joy after receiving this gift and jumped around after it was put on her. Her mouth was wide open with surprise and her eyes gleamed with happiness. She’d also go on to put up 19 points, — trailing only Caitlin — 13 rebounds, and 5 blocks.

After that dominating performance, Boston will be looking to build on that when they play the Atlanta Dream on Wednesday. And she bet Plies will be there to support, even if from afar.