McDonald’s All-American Aaliyah Gayles, who was shot 10 times at a North Las Vegas house party, has signed a national letter of intent to USC, the school said Monday.
The basketball recruit from Spring Valley High School in Las Vegas was released from the hospital Saturday after undergoing a series of surgeries to treat injuries sustained in the shooting.
Gayles reportedly was one of four people shot at the April 16 gathering, with no arrests yet made.
Welcome to the Trojan Family, Aaliyah Gayles!The McDonald’s and Naismith All-American is the No. 8 rated recruit in the country by ESPN!! pic.twitter.com/WNM4oeIe4B— USC Women's Basketball (@USCWBB) April 25, 2022
Welcome to the Trojan Family, Aaliyah Gayles!The McDonald’s and Naismith All-American is the No. 8 rated recruit in the country by ESPN!! pic.twitter.com/WNM4oeIe4B
Gayles, who averaged 13.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 3.3 assists last season, is the No. 8 recruit in the 2022 class according to ESPN.
“Aaliyah is one of the most talented, athletically gifted basketball players I’ve known. She is electric on the court, with her ability to score, defend and create for others with her ball-handling and vision,” USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb said in a statement. “But from the moment I got to know her, I was also drawn to her character. Her humility, loyalty, warm personality and resilience set her apart, along with her athletic gifts.”
Just before being released from the hospital to a physical therapy facility, Gayles told FOX5 Vegas that her “body is feeling alright but it hurts still.”
After providing the local media outlet with an update on her condition, Gayles was sure to thank everyone who lent their love and support.
“First thing I told everybody is don’t cry — cause I didn’t. But I’m feeling — emotionally I’m feeling good. I’m just ready to get back on the court,” Gayles said.