Film Room: Incoming Freshman Emilee Skinner Brings an All-Around Offensive Skillset to Duke’s Backcourt…

Film Room: Incoming Freshman Emilee Skinner Brings an All-Around Offensive Skillset to Duke’s Backcourt

 

DURHAM, N.C. — As the Duke women’s basketball team looks ahead to the 2025-26 season, one name drawing early buzz is incoming freshman guard Emilee Skinner. A dynamic scorer with a polished offensive toolkit, Skinner brings a level of versatility and creativity that could immediately bolster the Blue Devils’ backcourt rotation.

At 5-foot-10, Skinner arrives at Duke after a standout senior season at Ridgeline High School in Utah, where she averaged 25.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. Her explosive offensive numbers only tell part of the story. Film study reveals a poised and multidimensional player whose instincts and court vision elevate those around her.

Skinner’s game is built on balance and adaptability. Whether operating in isolation, initiating in pick-and-roll sets, or moving off the ball, she remains a threat to score or facilitate. Her shooting mechanics are fluid, allowing her to knock down threes off the dribble or in catch-and-shoot situations. Defenders must respect her perimeter game, which opens driving lanes where Skinner thrives with quick first steps and a deceptive hesitation dribble.

“She’s incredibly crafty with the ball in her hands,” said Duke head coach Kara Lawson. “What stands out most is her decision-making. She knows when to create for herself and when to get her teammates involved. That’s rare in a player coming straight from high school.”

On film, Skinner’s vision and timing are equally impressive. She excels at reading defenses and delivering passes through tight windows—often in transition, where her full-court awareness shines. In half-court sets, she utilizes changes in pace to keep defenders off balance and create space for pull-up jumpers or slashing finishes.

While Skinner’s offensive prowess takes center stage, her commitment to two-way basketball gives her additional value. She plays with active hands and keen anticipation on the defensive end, often creating fast-break opportunities from steals or deflections. Her ability to guard both point guards and wings provides Duke with lineup flexibility.

Skinner’s readiness for the college level also stems from her extensive offseason development and national team experience. She represented Team USA at the U18 3×3 World Cup and has competed against some of the country’s top talent on the AAU circuit. That exposure has sharpened her game and given her confidence to step into a competitive ACC landscape.

With veteran guards like Reigan Richardson and Taina Mair expected to lead the Blue Devils next season, Skinner may not be tasked with heavy minutes right away. But her versatility could carve out a valuable role early—particularly as a spark plug off the bench or secondary ball-handler.

“She’s someone who can change the tempo of a game,” Lawson added. “Whether she’s starting or coming in as a sixth player, Emilee gives us options.”

As Duke prepares for what promises to be a high-stakes season, Emilee Skinner’s arrival brings not only future potential but immediate intrigue. Her offensive arsenal, poise under pressure, and basketball IQ make her one of the most exciting freshmen to watch in the ACC.