Shock and relief.
The news that Lisa Bruder announced her retirement as Iowa women's basketball coach shocked the sports world on Monday. Peoria High School's Aaliyah Guyton, an Iowa native, echoed the emotions of many upon hearing of her future program's first head coaching change in 24 years.
“My reaction was probably the same as everyone else's,” Guyton said. “I was shocked.”
The National Guard was reassured by a phone call with Bruder shortly after the announcement. Associate head coach Jan Jensen took over the Hawkeyes and reaffirmed Guyton's commitment to the program following back-to-back appearances in the national title game.
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'Great relationship' with new Iowa coach Jan Jensen
Jensen was the first coach to watch the 2024 Miss Illinois Basketball runner-up play in person when she was still in middle school.
“I have a great relationship with (Jensen),” Guyton said. “… There was some peace of mind because we ultimately committed to the entire staff. We took some comfort knowing that Coach Jensen was going to step up.
“(Bruder's retirement) was shocking, but at the end of the day, I'm trying to look at it from a good perspective, a positive perspective, and I'm going to try to be as healthy as possible to play in the league. ” Next head coach. ”
Aaliyah's father, AJ Guyton, said he was initially worried about what the future held for Iowa State, but those concerns quickly dissipated.
“Obviously, when you hear the news, your mind goes to the process,” he said. “I think Aaliyah was also very happy to be playing for Coach Jensen when she found out that maybe 20 minutes or so later Coach Jensen was going to take over and not much was going to change. Transfer or move elsewhere. You don't have to.
“Aaliyah is in a unique situation. She's recovering from an injury. No matter where she goes, she's going to need some support in that area. Iowa State has already committed to assisting her in that area. It is working.”
Guyton tore his anterior cruciate ligament on Dec. 29 and is now 15 weeks into 10 months of physical therapy at Midwest Orthopedics in Peoria. The 5-foot-8 guard averaged 26.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 3.2 steals in 18 games for the Lions before the injury and remains a consensus All-State honoree and Illinois Miss Basketball. He finished in second place in the voting.
Guyton is allowed to perform form shooting and static dribbling drills. Soon she will start running and jumping.
“I'm just making sure I still have the touch,” Guyton said, noting he's still working on his upper body. “I don’t want it to get too strong and cause me to lose my senses.”
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Adam Duvall is a sports reporter for the Journal Star. Please email aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.