Chloe Kitts Explains Decision to Decommit from South Carolina, Commit to Duke Women’s Basketball

In a significant shift that has sent ripples throughout the women’s college basketball world, Chloe Kitts, a highly touted 2025 recruit, has announced her decision to decommit from the South Carolina Gamecocks and commit to the Duke Blue Devils. The news of Kitts’ switch has raised eyebrows, as she was previously considered a key piece in South Carolina’s future, particularly under the leadership of Hall of Fame head coach Dawn Staley. Now, the five-star forward, known for her exceptional talent, basketball IQ, and versatile skill set, will be joining a new program with its own set of aspirations.

The decision to leave the Gamecocks, a team that has become one of the most dominant forces in women’s college basketball, was not an easy one for Kitts. South Carolina had long been seen as the perfect fit for the standout forward, especially with its track record of developing elite talent and consistently competing for national titles. However, Kitts’ move to Duke reflects her personal goals, vision for her future, and the growing appeal of the Blue Devils’ women’s basketball program under head coach Kara Lawson.

In this exclusive story, Kitts opens up about her decision-making process, her reasons for decommitting from South Carolina, and what ultimately led her to join the Blue Devils’ prestigious program. This article also delves into what Kitts’ commitment means for both Duke and South Carolina, the implications for the 2025 recruiting class, and how her choice is a reflection of the evolving landscape in women’s college basketball.

A Talented and Versatile Forward

Chloe Kitts is a basketball player who has been on the radar of college coaches for years. At 6-foot-3, she possesses a rare combination of size, skill, and athleticism. Kitts is known for her ability to score from anywhere on the court, whether it’s hitting from beyond the arc, attacking the basket, or mid-range jumpers. Additionally, her basketball IQ sets her apart—Kitts is an intelligent player who makes smart decisions on both ends of the floor.

Kitts’ versatility is one of her most intriguing qualities. As a forward, she can stretch the floor with her shooting ability, while also using her size and strength to dominate in the paint. Her rebounding, shot-blocking, and ability to guard multiple positions further elevate her value as a prospect. Her high school performance has been nothing short of stellar, earning her multiple All-American honors and making her one of the most sought-after players in the 2025 class.

Her high school career has seen her play for one of the most successful programs in the country, consistently showcasing her ability to perform at the highest level. Kitts was also named to various All-State and All-Conference teams and has helped her team win numerous state championships, further cementing her status as one of the top recruits in the nation.

The South Carolina Commitment

Kitts’ original commitment to South Carolina was a highly anticipated moment in her recruitment. For years, the Gamecocks had built a reputation for their elite talent development, especially under coach Dawn Staley, who had turned the program into one of the most dominant in college basketball. South Carolina had become a program synonymous with winning, player development, and national championships.

Kitts initially saw South Carolina as the ideal environment to maximize her potential. The Gamecocks had not only been one of the top programs in the country, but they had also become a model for producing professional-level talent, sending players to the WNBA and building a winning culture. With a roster that included players like Zia Cooke, Aliyah Boston, and Brea Beal, the prospect of playing alongside some of the best talent in the country was a major factor in Kitts’ decision.

The Gamecocks’ commitment to excellence, both on and off the court, was a huge selling point for Kitts, who had expressed excitement about joining such a successful and well-respected program. Additionally, Staley’s ability to develop versatile players was particularly appealing to Kitts, who hoped to hone her skills under one of the best coaches in the game.

For months, it seemed like Kitts would be the latest in a long line of successful recruits to commit to South Carolina, and her decision was widely celebrated by Gamecocks fans. However, as her senior year approached, Kitts began to consider a variety of factors that would ultimately lead to her reversal.

The Decision to Decommit

Kitts’ decision to decommit from South Carolina was both surprising and thought-provoking. She had long been considered one of the cornerstones of the Gamecocks’ future, but as she entered the final stages of her recruitment, Kitts realized that she needed to consider what was best for her as an individual.

“I’ve always been taught to trust my instincts, and after a lot of reflection, I realized that I had to make the decision that was best for my future,” Kitts said. “I knew it wouldn’t be an easy choice, but sometimes you have to listen to your heart and think about where you can grow the most. South Carolina will always have a special place in my heart, but Duke is the right fit for me moving forward.”

For Kitts, the process of decommitting was an emotional one, as she had developed strong bonds with the coaching staff, players, and supporters at South Carolina. However, her decision to re-evaluate her commitment was rooted in a desire to find the right environment to nurture her growth as a player and individual.

A key factor in her decision to leave South Carolina was the evolving direction of the Gamecocks’ roster. While South Carolina remains a powerhouse, Kitts expressed a desire to play in a system that emphasized more opportunities for individual development, particularly for a player with her versatile skill set. South Carolina, with its strong commitment to winning and established roster, could be more focused on team-oriented goals than on developing players in the way that Kitts envisioned.

Why Duke?

Duke’s women’s basketball program, under the leadership of head coach Kara Lawson, has been on the rise in recent years. Lawson, who took over as head coach in 2020, has transformed the Blue Devils into a program with championship potential. Duke’s recruitment of elite talent, emphasis on player development, and focus on creating a family-like atmosphere were all key factors in Kitts’ decision.

“Coach Lawson has been incredible,” Kitts said. “She believes in me, and I believe in her vision for the program. Duke is a place where I know I can grow, not just as a player, but as a person. The culture is so strong, and the support from the staff and the players is unmatched. I’m excited to be a part of something special.”

In addition to the coaching staff, Kitts was drawn to Duke’s emphasis on developing versatile players who can contribute in multiple facets of the game. For Kitts, this was particularly important, as she feels that her potential as a multi-dimensional player will be fully realized at Duke.

“Duke’s system allows me to play my game, and I’ll have the freedom to showcase all aspects of my skill set,” Kitts added. “I want to be the best version of myself, and I feel like Coach Lawson and her staff will help me do that.”

Moreover, Duke’s strong academic reputation and its commitment to providing players with opportunities both on and off the court were key considerations for Kitts and her family. The ability to balance academics and athletics at a prestigious institution like Duke was something that Kitts valued highly in her decision-making process.

The Impact of Kitts’ Commitment on Duke and South Carolina

For Duke, landing Kitts is a game-changer. The Blue Devils have already established themselves as one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball, and with Kitts in the fold, they are poised to take their program to new heights. Kitts’ commitment signals that Duke is not just a team that can compete at a high level; it’s a team that can contend for national championships in the near future.

For South Carolina, Kitts’ decommitment is a tough loss, but the Gamecocks remain one of the top programs in the country. While they will have to adjust to Kitts’ absence, they have a talented roster full of elite players, and their recruiting pipeline continues to be strong.

What’s Next for Kitts?

With her commitment to Duke official, Kitts now shifts her focus to preparing for her college career. She will continue to work on her game and improve her skills as she looks ahead to the 2025-26 season, where she will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact. For Kitts, the journey to Duke is just beginning, and she’s excited about what the future holds.

“I’m ready to get to work,” Kitts said. “This is a new chapter in my life, and I can’t wait to be a part of something special at Duke. I’m excited to compete, to grow, and to help the Blue Devils achieve greatness.”

Kitts’ decision to decommit from South Carolina and commit to Duke represents a significant moment in her career, one that will undoubtedly shape her path to greatness. As she embarks on this new chapter, the basketball world will be watching closely, eager to see the impact she will have on the game in the years to come.