Father of USC women's basketball recruit Aaliyah Gayles provides update after shooting

Last weekend, USC Trojans women’s basketball recruit Aaliyah Gayles was seriously injured in a shooting at a party in Las Vegas. Now, a week following the shooting, Gayles’ father, Dwight, has provided a positive update on his daughter.

“She will be able to play ball again,” Dwight Gayles said, via TMZ. “It’s God’s plan.”

“She is still a USC Trojan.”

Gayles was reportedly shot multiple times at the house party after a fight broke out. She was one of four people who were shot after the fight began at the party that night.

“Two adults and two juveniles were injured when shots were fired following an argument at a house party,” North Las Vegas police Sgt. Vince Booker said via the Associated Press. “The Las Vegas Review-Journal, citing unnamed sources, identified the most seriously injured person as Aaliyah Gayles.”

After undergoing two emergency surgeries last weekend, Gayles was conscious and recovering as of Monday. Now, according to her father, Gayles is set to make a good recovery and will still be continuing her college basketball career at USC.

USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb commented on Gayles following the shooting

Gayles was named a McDonald’s All-American this season after averaging 13.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 3.3 assists. She originally committed to USC under former head coach Mark Trakh before decommitting following his retirement. But once Lindsay Gottlieb took over as the Trojans head coach, Gayles has since committed to USC again. Clearly, Gottlieb and Gayles have a good relationship, and the USC coach called Gayles one of the strongest people she has ever known.

“Aaliyah is one of the strongest, most resilient young people I have ever known,” said Gottlieb via ESPN. “I have no doubt she will continue to face this unfathomable situation with courage and resolve. We will continue to support her and her parents in every way that we possibly can.”