Tuesday will be a big day for basketball in Boston as the Connecticut Sun take on the Indiana Fever at TD Garden.

Leading up to the thousands of fans screaming for players on the parquet, a smaller but equally passionate crowd gathered at the State House Monday to cheer on Worcester Academy alum and Fever star Aliyah Boston.

Boston, who led Worcester Academy to an 86-10 record before guiding the University of South Carolina to a national championship, was the first overall pick in the 2023 WNBA draft.

Since then, she’s been Rookie of the Year and a three-time WNBA All-Star. Ahead of her first game as a professional in the commonwealth, state and local leaders gathered to show love to the star with local roots.

Governor Maura Healey praised Boston’s accomplishments on the court — and what she represents off of it, too.

“Today’s players are inspiring women and girls all over the world,” Healey said. “And you know what? They’re inspiring men and boys as well. And that’s a great thing. That has everything to do with the role models that we’re seeing in the WNBA. And there’s no better example of a role model than Aliyah Boston.”

The star was given several tributes, including a proclamation from the city marking Tuesday as “Aliyah Boston Day.”

City Councilor Brian Worrell, who was behind the resolution, has spoken about his desire to see the city get a WNBA team. He used Monday’s ceremony to champion that cause.

“Boston and the WNBA in the same sentence sure does sound good, doesn’t it?” he said.

For Aliyah Boston, the ceremony ahead of a bit of a homecoming game has made for a unique week already.

“It’s super special. You know, every time we play the Sun and we’re in Connecticut, my family comes to visit,” she said. “But I think being literally right down the road is super exciting and it’s a blessing.”

Boston’s connection to the city goes deeper than just her name and her Massachusetts roots. On Monday, Boston Legacy FC announced that Boston is part of the NWSL team’s investor group.

It’s a commitment that Boston is already taking pride in.

“I think growing up in Worcester and being in Boston, it made the most sense. And obviously my last name is pretty cool. But honestly I think being able to invest in a professional league is so important,” Boston said. “Because as a professional athlete, as a professional women’s athlete, it’s just so crucial to make sure that we have exactly everything that we need and we’re taken care of. And I know that Boston Legacy is gonna do that.”