Breaking News: Duke Women's Basketball Secures Top Recruit Bella Flemings!
Get ready, basketball fans! The Duke Blue Devils have just landed a major win, securing a commitment from Bella Flemings, a highly-rated player in the 2026 class. This announcement, made on Monday, marks a significant boost for Coach Kara Lawson and the Duke program.
Flemings, a talented 6-foot guard hailing from San Antonio, is ranked as the No. 16 recruit in the SC Next 100 class of 2026. She chose Duke over other impressive contenders like Tennessee, Baylor, TCU, and Miami. This is a huge win for the Blue Devils!
This commitment makes Flemings the third top-50 recruit to join Duke's ranks in this class. She'll be joining forces with Sanai Green (No. 25) and Taylor Sofilkanich (No. 43), creating a formidable team.
So, what made Duke the perfect fit for Flemings? She told ESPN, "I chose Duke because of the people there. The minute I stepped on campus, I felt at home." She also highlighted the strong connection she felt with the players and coaches, as well as the prestige and networking opportunities that come with a Duke degree.
Flemings, known for her shooting prowess, is more than just a long-range threat. She's also a strong player who can finish at the rim and initiate the offense. She played on the UA Next circuit for San Antonio Finest, a program that also produced current Duke guard Ashlon Jackson.
Did you know? Bella's brother, Kingston Flemings, is also a highly-ranked basketball player, currently a freshman at Houston.
With Flemings on board, the 2026 class is shaping up to be a strong one for Duke. Coach Lawson is building a promising team, especially after last year's class, which included McDonald's All-American Emilee Skinner. The Blue Devils are set to have a dynamic perimeter with Green and Flemings, complemented by Sofilkanich's presence in the post.
Duke is still in the running for other top recruits, including Addison Bjorn (No. 10) and Autumn Fleary (No. 12). It looks like the future is bright for Duke Women's Basketball! What do you think about Duke's chances next season? Let us know in the comments!