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Blue Devils Welcome Transfer Riley Nelson
4/22/2024 10:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
DURHAM — Duke women's basketball head coach Kara Lawson has announced the addition of Riley Nelson to the program, who is set to join the Blue Devils as an undergraduate transfer ahead of the upcoming 2024-25 season. Nelson, a rising sophomore, will have three years of eligibility remaining.
"We are ecstatic to add Riley Nelson to our program," said Lawson. "She is a perfect fit for Duke on and off the floor. Riley will bring a competitive mindset to each practice. Her ability to play at a high level at both ends of the floor will strengthen our attack. She is an elite shooter and at her size will be counted on to play and defend multiple positions. Her ceiling is very high, and I will do everything in my power to help her reach it. Duke fans will love cheering for her!"
A 6-2 wing from Clarksburg, Md., Nelson comes to Duke after playing her freshman season at the University of Maryland. Tabbed the 2024 Big Ten Sportsmanship Award recipient, Nelson played in 16 games for the Terrapins and averaged 5.1 points on .443 shooting from the floor to go with 1.3 rebounds in 14.1 minutes per game. She tallied three double-figure scoring games including a season-best 15 points against Niagara (Nov. 29).
"Duke is really the best of both worlds for basketball and academics. This school is going to push me in all aspects of my college career and beyond, to make me a better athlete and person overall," said Nelson. "Not only is Coach Kara going to push me to my greatest potential, but she's also going to help me become a better person. In just the short time I've gotten to know her, I can feel her authenticity and intention to connect with me both as an athlete and a person. She's done everything to make me feel welcomed into my new Blue Devil family, and I could not be more blessed to call her my coach. I'm so excited to get started and join the Duke family. I know this team is going to achieve great things, and I'm excited to be a part of it."
Riley Nelson Quick Facts
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu.
To stay up to date with Duke women's basketball, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeWBB."
#GoDuke
"We are ecstatic to add Riley Nelson to our program," said Lawson. "She is a perfect fit for Duke on and off the floor. Riley will bring a competitive mindset to each practice. Her ability to play at a high level at both ends of the floor will strengthen our attack. She is an elite shooter and at her size will be counted on to play and defend multiple positions. Her ceiling is very high, and I will do everything in my power to help her reach it. Duke fans will love cheering for her!"
A 6-2 wing from Clarksburg, Md., Nelson comes to Duke after playing her freshman season at the University of Maryland. Tabbed the 2024 Big Ten Sportsmanship Award recipient, Nelson played in 16 games for the Terrapins and averaged 5.1 points on .443 shooting from the floor to go with 1.3 rebounds in 14.1 minutes per game. She tallied three double-figure scoring games including a season-best 15 points against Niagara (Nov. 29).
"Duke is really the best of both worlds for basketball and academics. This school is going to push me in all aspects of my college career and beyond, to make me a better athlete and person overall," said Nelson. "Not only is Coach Kara going to push me to my greatest potential, but she's also going to help me become a better person. In just the short time I've gotten to know her, I can feel her authenticity and intention to connect with me both as an athlete and a person. She's done everything to make me feel welcomed into my new Blue Devil family, and I could not be more blessed to call her my coach. I'm so excited to get started and join the Duke family. I know this team is going to achieve great things, and I'm excited to be a part of it."
Riley Nelson Quick Facts
- Two-time Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year (2022, 2023)
- Five-star recruit ranked #18 in the Class of 2023, per espnW HoopGurlz
- 2023 McDonalds All-American and Jordan Brand All-American
- Two-time Regional Champion (2019, 2022)
- Two-time 4A First Team All-State (2022, 2023)
- Two-time 4A First Team All-County (2022, 2023)
- American Legion Community Service Award winner
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu.
To stay up to date with Duke women's basketball, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeWBB."
#GoDuke
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