If you thought the Illinois basketball team's frontcourt was amazing last season, just wait until you see their backcourt come tip-off this winter.
In 2026-27, the Illini will be blessed with key members of their backcourt, like Destiny Jackson and Jasmine Brown-Hagger, returning to the program. Not only that, but they will also experience an offensive facelift in former LSU guard Divine Bourrage transferring to Champaign.
One of the biggest things to look out for with this unit will not just be their starting lineup, but the depth that sits behind them. Illinois is certainly going to have a plethora of proven talent who can sub in at a moment's notice, which includes the speedy junior guard Aaliyah Guyton.
Last night, sophomore guard Aaliyah Guyton set the Illinois record for best three-point percentage in a single game (minimum 6 attempts).
— Kellen “KellDawg” Sherman (@KShermanSports) February 12, 2026
She scored 22 points for the Illini, and shot an incredible 6-6 from behind the arc. #Illini
pic.twitter.com/ZbVeuZwaMx
Guyton, a transfer from the University of Iowa prior to last season, quickly became a major piece of Illinois' puzzle after Gretchen Dolan was sidelined with a torn meniscus. In 30 games played as a sophomore, she averaged 6.3 points and 2.0 assists in 20.8 minutes per game.
In 2026-27, Guyton will most likely be looked at as a dynamic change-of-pace guard off the bench due to her amazing speed and her creativity at the rim. Not only that, but she will also pose a threat on the perimeter, especially after shooting 38% from deep last season.
Aaliyah Guyton's game has a chance to expand to even greater heights in her second year with the Illinois basketball program
It has been a bit of a trek for Guyton to this point in her career. Whether it was the ACL injury that she suffered her senior year of high school or the lower body injury that she was working through to start 2025, Guyton has been trying her best to work her way back to form.
Obviously, there have been some high points and some low points in this process. The rehab and conditioning after injuries like these are not quick and speedy processes. But through it all, she has shown herself to be a warrior and someone who is bound and determined to make it through.
Guyton may have had her ups and downs when it came to her performance last season, but in 2026-27, that should all change as she continues to recover. She will have the perfect role in Shauna Green's offense as the quick guard who can turn the speed of the game up a notch.
Expect Guyton to continue to make big strides in her game, especially in a system and with teammates with whom she's already familiar.
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