The elite women’s basketball recruit Aaliyah Gayleswho was shot 10 times at a party in North Las Vegas on April 16, signed a national letter of intent with USCthe school announced Monday.
“Aaliyah is one of the most talented and athletically gifted basketball players I have ever met,” Trojans coach Lindsay Gottlieb said in a statement. “She is electric on the pitch, with her ability to score, defend and create for others with her ball handling and vision. But from the moment I met her, I was also drawn to her character. Her humility, loyalty, A warm personality and resilience set her apart, along with her athletic gifts.”
Gayles, the No. 8 recruit in the class of 2022 according to ESPN’s HoopGurlz, was released from the hospital Saturday after undergoing three surgeries to repair injuries to her arms and legs.
Gayles was one of four people shot at the party. All four are expected to survive. No arrests have been made and no suspects have been identified.
Gayles, a senior at Spring Valley High School in Las Vegas, was a McDonald’s All American. She played in the Jordan Brand Classic in Chicago on April 15, the day before she was shot. Gayles was originally committed to USC under former coach Mark Trakh, but she backed out when he dropped out. She re-engaged in August under Gottlieb.
“Aaliyah is just a unique and special young woman who worked hard in every way to become a Trojan,” said Gottlieb. “It is these characteristics that, in her recent time of extreme testing, enabled her to survive and will ensure that she continues to thrive. Aaliyah is part of the USC family and we couldn’t be more proud to be on this journey with her, every step of the way.” path”.
Gayles, a 5-foot-9 point guard, averaged 13.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 3.3 assists last season for Spring Valley.
Gayles told Fox5 Las Vegas that while she has feeling in her arms, she currently has no feeling in her legs.
“Thank you for the support and love,” Gayles told Fox5 Las Vegas. “But my journey is not over yet.”
