E60: Aaliyah Gayles - Only The Strong Survive

As the No. 1 seeded USC women’s basketball team begins their tournament run, it is especially meaningful to guard Aaliyah Gayles, a redshirt freshman, because of her remarkable journey to this moment. On the evening of April 16, 2022, a night after playing in the Jordan Brand Classic, Aaliyah went to a party. She was shot 18 times, shattering bones and bursting a blood vessel. She couldn’t put weight on her legs. She couldn’t grip a pencil to write. But one lesson Aaliyah Gayles learned in life is this: A life without basketball isn’t really living. Yet Aaliyah was resolute; she spent over a year re-learning how to walk and how to regain her strength, all while working towards her lifelong dream of playing college basketball.
✔️ Subscribe to ESPN+ espnplus.com/yo...
✔️ Get the ESPN App: www.espn.com/es...
✔️ Subscribe to ESPN on RUclips: es.pn/SUBSCRIBE...
✔️ Subscribe to NBA on ESPN on RUclips: bit.ly/SUBSCRIB...
✔️ Watch ESPN on RUclips TV: es.pn/RUclipsTV

[@rimoke97]

To God be the Glory. She is definitely a strong woman and God has a purpose for her. Great recovery!!!

[@FosterLiggins]

I just showed my students the doc. This is a story of true perseverance and resilience.

[@Smoove2753]

God is good!!!

[@theflyent7106]

I got chills watching this, God bless you sweetheart you're a strong young woman with an even stronger heart. Love from michigan 💯

[@terrylopez9563]

She has a one of one story. Her bounce back was supernatural, hope AG becomes a force on the court next season!

[@MonieMusic]

I love the Perseverance of Aaliyah's journey.
I will always give much Respect for Coach Gottlieb for never giving up on Aaliyah too! That is the kind of Coach you want in your corner! Fight On!✌✌✌✊

[@ignorantbambino5429]

Rooting for you Aaliyah 🤞🏾💛

[@fentanyljones6956]

Such a g, I can’t wait to watch USC basketball next year. It’s so easy to root for such a powerful group of women.

[@SuperIlonak]

What a story … I know her uncle and he is very proud of her…

[@Cronellishways]

Much respect to you, Aaliyah and your commitment to excellence.

[@pimptightlin-z155]

That’s my cousin 🙏🏾🙏🏾🏀

[@frankhortoniv3739]

Great story man

[@brendaarmstrong7944]

There's no secret to what God can do. He kept Aaliyah's mind on what she loved throughout her recovery (Basketball) she truly has an assignment from The Lord 💯

[@earljackson7303]

I love a great come back story

[@Moorepressure]

Glory be to God!!! Acknowledge the father

[@PhillyJawn69]

I wonder if those girls were ever charged

[@bayed3251]

it’s the two men who escalated the situation and shot her that are the problem