2024 FIBA U17 WC winner Emilee Skinner becomes the latest addition to the Duke Blue Devils' 2025 Class: Report

By Rotsen Rick Tidoy

Modified Oct 07, 2024 06:35 GMT

Emilee Skinner, one of the top prospects in the Class of 2025, has committed to the Duke women's basketball team. The 2024 FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup winner made her announcement on social media on Friday.

Other schools were also trying to sign her, including Notre Dame, TCU, UCLA and Iowa. However, the 2025 ESPN 100 No. 7 recruit chose to sign with Duke coach Kara Lawson.

She complimented Lawson because she likes what she is building there at Duke, adding (via ESPN):

"The culture and the people are amazing there. Coach Kara has done everything I want to do and I want her to be my mentor through my college career."

The 6-foot-0 guard from Ridgeline High School in Providence, Utah, is still fresh from winning the FIBA Under-17 Women's World Cup, which was held this summer in Mexico. She averaged 6.2 points per game.

Emilee Skinner's high school coach reacts to Duke announcement

For now, Emilee Skinner is still with Ridgeline High School and her coach, Ainsli Jenks, is more than happy for her star player, telling Deseret News:

“We are so excited for Emilee. Duke is lucky to have her and we can’t wait to cheer her on. Go Blue Devils."

During her junior year, Emilee Skinner averaged 24.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.7 blocks and 3.5 steals per game, leading the team to a 4A state championship. She shot 86% from the free-throw line and 43% from behind the arc, meaning Duke will be getting an elite perimeter shooter with her commitment.

Duke is looking to continue building on last season's Sweet 16 appearance. The team finished with a 22-12 record.