USC basketball recruit takes the stage to accept high school diploma months after being shot 10 times

University of Southern California basketball recruit Aaliyah Gayles was shot 10 times at a house party some months ago. And though she’s still recovering from the injuries she sustained, that did not deter her from attending her high school graduation ceremony on Tuesday as she took the stage in a wheelchair to accept her diploma.

The Spring Valley High School graduate’s father told TMZ that her daughter, who was the number 8 recruit this year, was determined to attend her graduation. “Words can’t even describe the feeling I feel,” he said. “It wasn’t easy but she did it. I can’t be more happy for her. God is good!”

Gayles, 18, sustained serious injuries after she was shot multiple times at a house party in Las Vegas on April 16. Fortunately, though, the 5-foot-9 guard’s father said his daughter should still be able to play basketball for the USC Trojans. Gayles committed to the university in August last year.

Gayle’s father also said her road to recovery is “going very well.” “Doing some physical therapy. Getting back to normal one day at a time. Baby steps,” he added.

The 18-year-old five-star recruit had an average of 13.8 points, 4.9 rebounds 3.5 steals and 3.3 assists per game during her high school final year. She was also named to the 2022 McDonald’s All-America team, making her the first player from Vegas to earn a spot since 2010.