Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images Luke Randall · HITC Thu, November 5, 2026 at 6:15 PM UTC · 2 min read About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aliyah Boston couldn't believe her ears when hearing how the NBA's draft eligibility rules compare to the WNBA.
Aliyah Boston didn't just hold down the paint for Indiana in 2026, she completely changed how defenses had to guard her. Putting up 16.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, and over a block a night, she gave the Fever relentless production around the rim. But the real game-changer was her outside shot, knocking down 40.6% from deep after barely touching the arc in previous years.
And she carried that same edge to Team USA, where she held her own against 7'4″ Chinese giant Zhang Ziyu and earned plenty of plaudits from the coaching staff.
Learning the NBA lets teens go pro after just one college season caught Aliyah Boston completely off guard. Talking with Candace Parker , the Fever star admitted she would've struggled if she left South Carolina after year two, saying she needed every bit of college to survive the WNBA's sheer physicality.
Candace Parker said: "The WNBA eligibility requires one of the following. US players to turn 22 within the calendar year or graduate from a four-year college within three months of the draft or be at least four years removed from high school.
"I hate the comparison because I think it's two completely different leagues, but NBA draft eligibility requires US players to be at least 19 years old during the calendar year of the draft or must have been out of high school for at least one year."
Aliyah Boston responded: "That's so crazy. Honestly, I don't think our rules are bad. Like, I think it takes like I couldn't imagine coming out after my sophomore year of college and being ready for the W. Like, I just don't think I would have been ready. Like, the physicality, the speed, everything."
This comes after USC star Jazzy Davidson admitted the WNBA's strict age limit feels a bit outdated, but she's in no rush to leave college. For her, earning a degree and bonding with teammates matter, though she still thinks young players deserve the freedom to turn pro whenever they're ready.
There are examples of how waiting benefits players, with Yaxel Lendeborg taking the NBA by storm at the age of 24. However, Victor Wembanyama was 19 when he entered, and he's done just fine.
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Source: Sports
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