A Summer of Growth
Aaliyah Guyton, a 5‑foot‑7 junior guard from Peoria, Illinois, has turned heads this summer with the Brazil senior women’s national basketball team.
During the AmeriCup South American qualifiers she logged 14.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game, shooting 44 % from the field, 30 % from three‑point range and 57 % from the free‑throw line.
Brazil finished third in the qualifiers, securing a berth at the 2027 AmeriCup, and coach Pokey Chatman tapped Guyton — alongside Illinois teammate Lety Vasconcelos — to compete in the upcoming FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre‑Qualifying Tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The tournament will also feature Illinois forward Cearah Parchment, who will represent Team Canada, highlighting the Illini’s presence across North America.
Illinois associate head coach Calamity McEntire praised Guyton’s leadership, noting her improved offensive contributions and the confidence that stems from a rigorous meal‑prep regimen and strength training.
McEntire also pointed to a physical transformation, with Guyton’s field‑goal percentage climbing from 39 % last season to 44 % this summer, underscoring the impact of focused training on her game.
Beyond personal growth, the competition serves as a crucial pathway for national teams to earn a spot at the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, making every point and rebound count toward that historic goal.