Iowa women’s basketball has wasted no time making its intentions clear in the race for one of the nation’s top young prospects. Just weeks after reopening her recruitment, four-star guard Jhaliana Guy made another trip to Iowa City, giving Hawkeye fans plenty of reason to pay attention as the program continues building for the future.
The standout guard from Clinton, Iowa, recently shared photos from her unofficial visit to the Hawkeyes, offering another strong indication that Iowa remains firmly in the mix for one of the Midwest’s most coveted recruits. Guy reopened her recruitment on May 31 after announcing she was decommitting from Stanford, instantly becoming one of the hottest names available in the 2028 recruiting class.
According to ESPN’s 2028 recruiting rankings, Guy is ranked as the No. 16 overall player in the country and the No. 11 guard in her class. Iowa moved quickly following her decommitment, extending another scholarship offer in hopes of keeping one of the state’s brightest stars close to home.
Guy has already built an impressive résumé despite only completing her sophomore season at Clinton High School. Standing 5-foot-10, the talented guard delivered a record-breaking campaign by averaging 24.4 points per game, the highest single-season scoring average in school history. She also knocked down 87 three-pointers, setting another school record while showcasing the long-range shooting ability that has attracted college programs across the country.
Her dominant performances earned her first-team All-State honors, making her the first Clinton Red Queen player in more than two decades to receive the prestigious recognition. That achievement alone highlighted just how special her sophomore season truly was.
Guy’s success hasn’t been limited to high school competition. She also competes for Mac Irvin Lady Fire, one of the premier AAU programs on the P24 circuit. Playing against elite national competition has continued to elevate her profile while allowing college coaches to see her perform against some of the best young talent in the country.
Her outstanding play also caught the attention of USA Basketball. Guy received an invitation to the USA Basketball Under-17 National Team trials and was selected as one of the final 22 players competing for a roster spot, another major milestone in her rapidly growing basketball career.
Although this latest visit has generated fresh excitement, it wasn’t Guy’s first experience inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
She previously visited Iowa City on Feb. 4, 2025, as part of a highly anticipated recruiting event. That night turned into one of the most memorable evenings in recent Iowa women’s basketball history.
The Hawkeyes stunned then-No. 4 USC with a 76-69 victory in front of a packed home crowd. The game also featured an unforgettable ceremony honoring Iowa legend Caitlin Clark, whose iconic No. 22 jersey was officially raised into the rafters of Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
That atmosphere left a lasting impression on many recruits in attendance, including Guy. Current Iowa player Journey Houston was also among the visitors who witnessed the historic night firsthand before eventually joining the Hawkeyes.
Now, more than a year later, Guy is once again back on campus as Iowa continues working to strengthen its relationship with one of the nation’s top backcourt prospects.
Keeping elite in-state talent at home has become increasingly important for the Hawkeyes, especially as they continue building momentum under their current coaching staff. Landing a player with Guy’s combination of scoring ability, perimeter shooting, size and national recognition would represent a significant recruiting victory.
While her recruitment remains open and no commitment timeline has been announced, Iowa has clearly positioned itself as a serious contender. The quick response following her Stanford decommitment and the opportunity to return for another campus visit demonstrate the program’s strong interest.
For Hawkeye fans, Guy’s latest visit is another encouraging sign that Iowa continues attracting some of the country’s best young talent. As the recruiting process unfolds, her relationship with the program will undoubtedly be one of the biggest storylines to follow in the coming months.
With school records already falling, national rankings climbing, and USA Basketball recognition adding to her growing list of accomplishments, Jhaliana Guy has established herself as one of the premier players in the 2028 recruiting class. Iowa is doing everything it can to convince the standout guard that her future belongs in black and gold, and this latest visit could prove to be another important step in that journey.
