AP FILE PHOTO - Iowa guard Aaliyah Guyton dribbles up the court during the first half against Oklahoma in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on March. 24 in Norman, Okla.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — University of Illinois women’s basketball head coach Shauna Green announced the addition of Aaliyah Guyton to the program after signing the former Iowa guard out of the transfer portal.

Guyton, a sophomore, will join the Fighting Illini beginning with the 2025-26 season.

Guyton is a 5-foot, 7-inch guard from Peoria, Ill., who appeared in 29 games, including one start, last season for the Hawkeyes while averaging 4.7 points and 1.2 rebounds across 473 minutes of action as a freshman.

“I am absolutely thrilled to have Aaliyah join our family,” said Green. “We have known Aaliyah and her family for years. We know the type of person, worker, and player that she is.”

During her rookie season in Iowa City, Guyton and the Hawkeye squad posted a 23-11 overall record, including a 10-8 mark in Big Ten play. Iowa was a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament and advanced to the Round of 32.

“Aaliyah brings Big Ten experience to us and the ability to lead our team at the point guard position,” Green added. “She can score at all three levels, and she is an elite defender, which is critical in our system. I cannot wait to get Aaliyah to campus!”

Guyton graduated from Peoria High School and was ranked as the No. 57 prospect by ESPN HoopGurlz in the Class of 2024. She was the No. 1 player in Illinois in 2024 by PrepGirlsHoops.com.

“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,” Guyton said. “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!”

Prior to having her senior season cut short due to injury, Guyton was a four-star, consensus all-state prospect, averaging 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists during her junior season. She was named the Big 12 Conference player of the year for a second successive season as the Lions finished third in Class 3A, posting a 29-4 record in 2023.