The UCLA Bruins Women’s basketball showed real potential in 2024, falling in the Sweet Sixteen to LSU after an impressive season. Now, the Bruins are in the running for a top-five recruit that could make them even better.
Emilee Skinner, a guard for the gold medal-winning 2024 USA Women’s U17 National Team, has narrowed her potential college destinations to five teams, according to Talia Goodman of On3 (subscription required). Skinner, the fifth-ranked player in the nation in the class of 2025, has UCLA, Notre Dame, TCU, Duke, and Iowa on her shortlist.
With star guard Kiki Rice returning to the Bruins this season, Skinner can see how Cori Close uses guards and sets them up for success in UCLA’s program. In addition, the long line of UCLA greats and the program’s upward trajectory is an enticing factor for the Ridgeline High School senior.
If the Bruins can string together another good season and a deep run into March, the Bruins could be the front-runner to land Skinner as the team begins its tenure in the Big Ten.