A previous Jackson State standout, Ti'lan "Tilly" Boler, inks a deal with the Chicago Sky.
Readying for Stardom: Tilly Boler's WNBA Journey with the Chicago Sky
Get ready to cheer on another HBCU star as former Jackson State standout, Ti'lan "Tilly" Boler, signs a training camp contract with the mighty Chicago Sky! Fresh off her transfer from Memphis, this 6'1" guard didn't get drafted in last year's WNBA Draft but is determined to prove herself as the Sky strive to craft a roster brimming with playoff stars such as Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso.
Diving into her beginnings, Boler initially committed to Jackson State in 2020, making her debut with the Tomekia Reed-led Lady Tigers. Though she scarcely started any games in her rookie season, her contributions shone through with an average of 2.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in just eight minutes per match.
The following year, her minutes on the court doubled to 16. Boler showed clear improvements, with averages of 6.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 45.7% three-point accuracy, securing 10 starting spots out of 30 games.
Boler's breakout occured in her junior season. Taking on a starting role, she logged an average of nearly 30 minutes of game time. Her statistics for the 2022-23 season stood at 12.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 0.9 assists, with a striking 83.7% free-throw accuracy. Boler managed to exceed 15 points in 11 games, hitting 20 points twice.
Boler's impressive scoring finesse powered Jackson State to dominate the 2023-24 SWAC, boasting an impressive 17-1 record. Continuing her impressive form, Boler cemented herself as a crucial piece in Jackson State's historic undefeated season and clinched the SWAC Championship. They claimed the #14 seed in the Women's March Madness Tournament, setting themselves up for a thrilling run.
Boler shone in the opening round, joining UConn, where she finished the game with 25 points, three rebounds, one steal, and one block, striking 5 trifectas. She continued her offensive prowess alongside Memphis, averaging 16.6 points per game and earning First Team All-AAC and All-Newcomer Team accolades.
While Boler may not have been granted a spot in the WNBA draft, her talents and determination earned her an invite to the Chicago Sky's training camp. With a team stacked with promising young stars like Reese and Cardoso, Boler is raring to seize her opportunity and leave her indelible mark in the WNBA.
Additional Information:
As Boler embarks on her WNBA journey with the Chicago Sky, her professional career is still in its infancy, with no official WNBA regular-season statistics yet recorded. However, her college accolades are more than impressive. In her breakout season at Jackson State, Boler averaged an impressive 12.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 0.9 assists, and managed to exceed 15 points in 11 games. She holds the record for impressive free-throw accuracy in that season with a shooting percentage of 83.7%. Prior to her breakout, Boler made steady progress, averaging 2.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in her inaugural season and improving to 6.1 points and 2.9 rebounds in her second year with 45.7% three-point accuracy.
Recognized as one of Jackson State's most dynamic players due to her agility, scoring ability, and role in elevating the program, Boler's Chicago Sky training camp opportunity exemplifies the team's strategy to build around talented young stars like Reese and Cardoso.
Sources:1. Ti'lan Boler WNBA Draft, Contract, Stats, ...2. Jackson State's Ti'lan Boler Sophomore Season Hoop Highlights 2021-20223. Ti'lan Boler Jackson State interview, January 20234. Jackson State Home Track – Ti'lan Boler
- Tilly Boler, brimming with confidence after her impressive college career, prepares to make her mark in the WNBA with the Chicago Sky, a team filled with rising stars like Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso.
- In her final season at Jackson State, Boler showcased her scoring finesse and free-throw accuracy, averaging 12.3 points and capturing the SWAC Championship with an undefeated season.
- Before joining the Chicago Sky, Boler displayed steady improvement in her college career, recording averages of 2.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in her debut season and 6.1 points and 2.9 rebounds in her second year, with a notable 45.7% three-point accuracy.
- The training camp opportunity with the Chicago Sky gives Boler a chance to prove herself in the professional basketball scene, despite not being drafted in the WNBA Draft last year.
- Despite having no regular-season WNBA statistics yet, Boler's impressive college stats speak for her talent and agility on the basketball court, making her an exciting addition to the Chicago Sky's roster.
