The Sentinel: Illini Women's Basketball

Illinois adds Aaliyah Guyton to women's basketball roster

CHAMPAIGN – The Fighting Illini women's basketball program is gearing up for a dynamic boost with the addition of Aaliyah Guyton, announced head coach Shauna Green. Guyton, a 5-foot-7-inch guard hailing from Peoria, Illinois, joins Illinois as a rising sophomore transfer from Iowa, marking a significant recruitment coup for the Big Ten squad.

Guyton, who played her prep ball at Peoria High School, brings a robust basketball pedigree to Champaign. Her career trajectory includes a notable stint with the Iowa Hawkeyes, where she made 29 appearances and averaged 4.7 points per game during her freshman campaign. Iowa, a formidable force in NCAA competition, secured a No. 6 seed in the tournament and advanced to the Round of 32 last season.

"I chose Illinois because of the strong sense of community, the incredible growth opportunities, and the chance to be part of something meaningful alongside an amazing team and staff," said Guyton, expressing her enthusiasm for the upcoming season. "I'm truly grateful to Coach Green for recruiting me again; it really speaks to the belief she has in me. I'm excited to get started and be a part of the FamILLy!"

Recognized as the No. 57 prospect nationwide by ESPN HoopGurlz and the top player in Illinois by PrepGirlsHoops.com in the Class of 2024, Guyton's accolades extend beyond her collegiate debut. As a high school standout, she earned consensus all-state honors, averaging 21.6 points per game during her junior season before an injury-shortened senior year.

Coach Green expressed her excitement about Guyton's addition, highlighting her versatility and leadership potential. "I am absolutely thrilled to have Aaliyah join our family," said Green. "She brings Big Ten experience and the ability to lead our team at the point guard position. Aaliyah's scoring ability and elite defensive skills will be invaluable to our system. I cannot wait to get Aaliyah to campus!"

With Guyton set to don the orange and blue for the 2025-26 season, Illinois fans can look forward to her having a positive impact on and off the court. With the next season months away, the Fighting Illini look poised to capitalize on Guyton's talents as they pursue new heights in Big Ten competition.

Brazilian forward commits to Illinois, Illini land four-star Manuella Alves

Urbana - The Illinois Fighting Illini women's basketball program has secured the commitment of highly touted forward Manuella Alves. The 6'3" Brazilian native will join the team next season after signing a Big Ten Athletics Scholarship Agreement during the National Signing Period.

Alves, a native of Rio de Janeiro, is ranked No. 61 in ESPNW's HoopGurlz rankings and a four-star recruit by 247Sports. She spent her junior year at Central Pointe Christian Academy in Kissimmee, Florida, where she averaged 7.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game.

“I chose Illinois because I felt it was the right place for me," Alves said in a released statement. "I want to be great, and I know that Illinois is going to make me great.”

Alves has represented Brazil on the international stage, averaging 10.7 points and 8.2 rebounds at the 2024 FIBA U18 Women's AmeriCup. She also contributed 9.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists at the 2023 South American U17 Women's Championship.

Known for her physical post presence and ability to score with her back to the basket, Alves is expected to make an immediate impact for the Illini.

"She’s someone that I have watched for the last couple years, and I’ve loved her since I first saw her," says Illinois Women’s Basketball Head Coach Shauna Green. "She brings that toughness to our game, and to our team. Manuella’s versatility is something that our whole staff really loves about her game. She can shoot from the outside, she can put it on the floor, she can defend multiple positions, and is another person that we could not be more excited about."

Alves' commitment adds depth to an Illinois roster that includes current Illini Lety Vasconcelos, who played alongside Alves on the Brazilian U18 team. The Fighting Illini will look to build on their success from last season, when they reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2003.