Iowa women's hoops likes what Aaliyah Guyton brings to the floor

IOWA CITY Aaliyah Guyton quickly earned herself a loyal following in the Iowa women's basketball fan base with her play.

This faithful contingent of Hawkeye fans routinely calls for an increase in her playing time on social media.

Iowa guard Aaliyah Guyton reacts after making a three-point basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa State, Wednesday, Dec.

11, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa.

(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) In 10 games since returning from a torn ACL, which the freshman guard suffered in her senior year of high school, the Peoria, Illinois, product averaged 5.1 points, one rebound and 0.7 assists in 11.6 minutes per game.

Iowa head coach Jensen likes the 5-foot-7 offensive dynamo, too.

She can defend," Jensen said.

"She has got a high IQ, and she score it.

She can score it every way.

She can get to the rim.

She has got a really good sense.

She is fun.

She is a little flashy, but obviously the three-point shooting is stellar as well.

Jensen is not alone in her praise of Guyton.

Last month, Iowa assistant coach Abby Stamp also praised Guytons basketball IQ and drive after the guard returned to action and played big minutes in Iowa's win over BYU and Rhode Island during the Cancun Challenge.

Iowa's Aaliyah Guyton plays during an NCAA basketball game on Sunday, Dec.

15, 2024, in East Lansing, Mich.

(AP Photo/Al Goldis) She had crazy nerves going into that Washington State game, taking off the warm up top, getting in there just for those last couple of minutes, Stamp said.

Then, three weeks later, not even, to go in a hit a dagger like that in the biggest game of the year? That kid is really made of something special.

She is going to be an outstanding Iowa point guard.

As the daughter of former professional basketball player A.J.

Guyton and Adriana Mafra, who played for the Brazilian National Team for 25 years and three seasons with the WNBAs Phoenix Mercury, Stamp compared Guytons potential to three notable former Hawkeyes.

The way she plays is a lot like (what) you have seen of Kathleen Doyle, Sam Logic, Stamp said.

Obviously, Caitlin (Clark) had the unique scoring ability, her passing ability.

I think Aaliyah is going to have similar ability in that way to see the floor and deliver passes in a way that we are going to really be back in that high assist, really pretty basketball kind of category with Aaliyah leading us.

The trio mentioned by Stamp combined for eight First-Team All-Big Ten honors and four Big Ten Player of the Year Awards (2020, 2022, 2023, 2024).

So, why does Guyton rank eighth in Iowa's rotation? According to Jensen, Iowa needs to remain cautious and patient with Guyton as she returns from the severe injury while eyeing a bigger role in the future.

We have had to bring her back slowly, Jensen said.

You have to be a little careful of that load.

She is getting closer and closer to peak, but I think she is a big catalyst because she can play a two and she can play the one." Get local news delivered to your inbox!.

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