Amazing news from Aaliyah Gayles‘ father … the USC hoops recruit’s dad tells TMZ Sports she will return to the basketball court and play for the Trojans — despite being shot multiple times last weekend.
As we previously reported, four people — including 18-year-old Gayles — were shot when someone opened fire at a North Las Vegas house party on April 16.
Gayles’ dad, Dwight, tells us his daughter went to the party to accompany a friend and stayed for only 30 minutes or so before she decided to leave — and that’s when the shooting happened.
Dwight says the 5-foot-9 guard was hit a total of 10 times in “both arms and both legs” and had her third surgery this week.
Thankfully, Dwight says Aaliyah is expected to make a full recovery — and is still planning to play for the USC women’s basketball team.
“She will be able to play ball again,” Dwight tells us. “It’s God’s plan.”
“She is still a USC Trojan.”
Trojans head coach Lindsay Gottlieb said in a statement shortly after the shooting that Gayles is “one of the strongest, most resilient young people I have ever known” and she will continue to support her and her family.
Gayles is a 5-star recruit and the #8 overall ranked player in ESPN’s 2022 class. At Spring Valley High School last season, she averaged 13.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 3.3 assists per game.
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She led the Grizzlies to the Class 5A state tournament and was named a McDonald’s All-American — the first Las Vegas player to earn the honor since 2010.
Get well soon, Aaliyah!