In an unexpected and dramatic twist, Chloe Kitts, one of the top high school basketball prospects in the country, has announced her decision to decommit from South Carolina, one of the most successful programs in women’s college basketball, and instead commit to Duke University. The decision has sent shockwaves through the basketball world, leaving fans, coaches, and analysts alike stunned at the sudden change of heart.
Kitts, a highly sought-after talent, had been committed to South Carolina for nearly a year, with many experts predicting her to be a key piece in head coach Dawn Staley’s already dominant squad. South Carolina, fresh off a national championship, was poised to continue its reign at the top, and Kitts was seen as the future star who would help the team continue its march toward future titles.
However, in a bold move that has rattled the college basketball community, Kitts revealed that she would be stepping away from her commitment to the Gamecocks and joining Coach Kara Lawson’s program at Duke. The 6’3″ forward, known for her versatility and scoring ability, made the announcement on social media, with a heartfelt message that sent fans into a frenzy.
“It was always my dream school,” Kitts wrote in her post. “I’ve always admired what Duke stands for—not just on the court, but as an institution. The tradition, the competition, and the family atmosphere are what really drew me in. I’m excited to take this next step in my career and can’t wait to get to work with the incredible coaches and teammates at Duke.”
Kitts’ decision is seen by many as a surprising betrayal, considering how heavily South Carolina had invested in her recruitment. The Gamecocks’ coaching staff, led by Staley, was known to have put in significant effort to secure Kitts’ commitment, and many saw her as the future face of the program. Kitts had visited Columbia multiple times, and her decision to flip to Duke has left some questioning whether she was swayed by something beyond just basketball.
Duke’s women’s program, though historically successful, has not reached the same heights as South Carolina in recent years, making Kitts’ choice all the more surprising. Under Kara Lawson’s leadership, Duke has seen a resurgence, with the Blue Devils improving year after year. Still, their place in the national conversation has not yet reached the level of programs like South Carolina, UConn, or Stanford.
The rivalry between the two programs has also added fuel to the fire. South Carolina and Duke had faced off on several occasions in the NCAA tournament, and this decision only adds a layer of intrigue to future matchups. Fans and analysts alike will undoubtedly be looking for any signs of animosity or tension between the two programs going forward.
While Kitts’ decision has sparked controversy, it is clear that she sees something special in what Duke has to offer. Many feel that she could be the missing piece to a Blue Devils team that is on the cusp of breaking through to the elite ranks of college basketball. With her commitment, Duke now boasts one of the top recruiting classes in the country, and the future looks bright for the Blue Devils.
As for South Carolina, the loss of Kitts stings, but they have a proven track record of success and will likely continue to recruit at a high level. For now, though, the basketball world will continue to buzz about one of the most shocking decisions in recent memory. Chloe Kitts has made her choice, and she’s ready to make her mark at Duke.