Aaliyah Gayles thrives in her new role at Utah State

Utah State guard Aaliyah Gayles is used to being noticed. As a Las Vegas prep star, she was one of the top recruits in the country. As a college player, she is known just as much for her persistence. Gayles said she survived a 2022 shooting that left her with multiple injuries, and after years of rehabilitation and limited minutes, she is trying to build a new chapter in Logan focused on her growth as a player. 

Gayles transferred to Utah State University this season after some time at the University of Southern California. She said the move was driven by her desire for a system that fits her strengths. 

Gayles said she came looking for a reset with a coaching staff that could help rebuild confidence and return her to the level she knows she can reach. 

“There are no distractions here,” Gayles said. “It’s a good place for mental clarity, mental clearness.” 

Junior guard for USU women’s basketball Aaliyah Gayles poses for a photo in the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum in Logan, Utah on Dec. 15. (Dane Johnson/The Utah Statesman)

Head coach Wesley Brooks said Gayles’ talent was clear the moment she joined the program. The goal, he said, has been helping her rebuild confidence and rediscover the style of play that once made her one of the most dynamic guards in the nation. 

“When she first got here, she was a little reserved,” Brooks said. “As she has become more comfortable, she has started to play with more freedom. It’s about helping her trust her instinct again.” 

Brooks said Gayles has the ability to change a game with her pace and ball handling. 

“She has elite speed, and when she uses it, the game opens up for her and for her teammates,” Brooks said. “She sees the floor well. She can score at all three levels. When she is aggressive, she is hard to guard.” 

For Gayles, the process of returning to her old form has taken time. She said she’s learning how to balance patience with competitiveness. 

“My confidence has grown a lot,” Gayles said. “Physically, I feel good. I’m learning to be patient but also to trust that I can attack and move the way I used to.” 

According to Gayles, her teammates have played a major role in her adjustment. 

“They welcomed me right away,” Gayles said. “We all joke around. We laugh a lot. We’re a family. That makes it easy to play hard for each other.” 

Her role at Utah State is different than at her previous schools. Gayles said she is learning to read defenses better and make plays within the system rather than relying on sheer athleticism. 

“At USC, I was really fast, and I was young. I didn’t understand the game the same way,” Gayles  

said. “Now, I’m learning how to use my speed the right way. Coach Brooks has helped me slow down when I need to and go when it’s time to go.” 

Brooks said that approach has made Gayles more efficient. 

“She has started making the simple play,” Brooks said. “When she gets downhill, she forces defenses to collapse, and that creates opportunities for the whole team.” 

#3 Aaliyah Gayles looks to pass the ball in bounds during the USU vs Idaho women’s basketball game in the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum on Dec. 13, 2025. (Dane Johnson/The Utah Statesman)

While Gayles’ recovery from the shooting will always be part of her story, she said she doesn’t want it to define her. 

I’m here. I’m playing. That’s a blessing. I’m focused on what’s ahead,” Gayles said. 

One of Gayles’ goals this season is to become a complete guard: someone who can defend, facilitate and score without forcing shots. 

“I want to be a better leader,” Gayles said. “I want to be someone the team can trust with the ball when it matters.” 

Brooks said he has seen steady goals from Gayles, and he believes she can continue to elevate her play as she settles into the program. 

“It’s a process,” Brooks said. “She keeps showing up every day. She keeps getting better. She has a chance to be really special for us.” 

For Gayles, the environment at Utah State has helped her enjoy the game again. After years marked by injury, recovery and uncertainty, she said her focus now is simple. 

“I just want to hoop,” Gayles said. “I want to have fun playing basketball again. That’s what I came here for.”