PROSPECT SPOTLIGHT- Aaliyah Flores

Overview

Aaliyah is a 5’10 shooting guard in the 2027 class who projects as a high-level floor spacer with advanced shooting ability. She thrives as a perimeter threat, capable of stretching defenses and impacting the game without needing heavy usage. Her combination of shot-making and secondary creation gives her intriguing long-term upside at the next level.

Strengths

Aaliyah’s most translatable skill is her shooting. She is an elite catch-and-shoot threat with a consistent, repeatable release and deep range, forcing defenses to stay attached at all times. She complements that with the ability to create her own shot off the dribble, particularly with controlled pull-ups, making her a reliable option when offensive possessions break down.

Her scoring presence provides tangible value, as she can shift momentum quickly with timely shot-making. Defenses must respect her spacing, which opens driving lanes and creates better offensive flow for teammates. She also shows strong instincts on the glass, especially tracking long rebounds and generating extra possessions through hustle and effort.

Athletically, she is solid with good body control, and while not elite in burst, she plays with consistent effort. Her motor stands out, particularly in loose-ball situations and second-chance opportunities.

Areas for Improvement

Improving lateral quickness and foot speed will be important for Aaliyah’s defensive development, especially when guarding quicker perimeter players. While she competes and plays hard, increased agility would allow her to stay in front more effectively and maximize her defensive effort.

Offensively, continued refinement in creating separation against faster defenders will elevate her shot creation. Tightening her handle and becoming more comfortable attacking closeouts at full speed will make her even more difficult to defend and expand her overall impact.

Playstyle & Comparison

Aaliyah fits the mold of a shooter-first guard with secondary shot creation ability, thriving in catch-and-shoot situations, off-ball movement, and quick decision-making. She plays within the flow of the offense but has the skill to generate her own look when needed.

Her game is comparable to Kayla McBride, particularly in her ability to stretch the floor, score efficiently without dominating the ball, and capitalize on defensive rotations.

Projection

At the college level, Aaliyah projects as a valuable perimeter scoring piece whose shooting and spacing translate well across systems.

Best-case scenario: Develops into a rotation player who grows into a starter at a high-level Division I program, providing consistent shooting and offensive spacing.

Realistic outcome: Becomes a primary scoring option at a mid-major or lower high-major level, where her shot-making ability can be fully featured within the offense.