DURHAM, N.C.—Duke women's basketball head coach
Kara Lawson has announced the addition of
Aaliyah Crump to the 2026-27 roster. Crump will join the Blue Devils as an undergraduate transfer after playing her freshman season at Texas.
"Aalyiah Crump brings a ton of quality to our roster on and off the floor," said Lawson. "There is a great familiarity. When you talk about bringing in a player through the portal, I think it's about connection and fit. There has to be a connection that exists between me and the player. Aaliyah and I have a strong connection already. The fit in the locker room with our team – they know her and she feels like she's been a part of us for a long time already."
A 6-1 guard, Crump played in 24 games with five starts for the Longhorns. She averaged 7.9 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game, shooting 41 percent (69-of-168) from the floor and 32 percent (23-of-73) from distance for the season.
"For me, choosing Duke University goes far beyond one sentence," said Crump. "The moment I connected with
Kara Lawson and her coaching staff, I knew I was exactly where I belonged. Their dedication and vision for the program is truly special. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to be a part of it."
A native of Minnetonka, Minnesota, Crump posted 11 double-digit outings in her rookie season, including 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting against LSU. On the glass, Crump collected at least one rebound in all but three games and pulled in at least five boards five times.
"[As for] the fit on the floor, she's somebody who can be elite on both ends for us," Lawson said. "She has the ability to stretch the floor with her three-point shot. She's a competitor. She not only wants to be good as an individual, but she wants to be part of a great team. So, the fit is perfect from that sense. The connection is really strong and we can't wait to have her as a part of the Sisterhood."
Ranked as the nation's No. 5 recruit by ESPN in 2025, Crump was a two-time all-state honoree and voted the 2024 MaxPreps Minnesota Player of the Year. She averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.7 steals and 3.3 assists per game while guiding Minnetonka to the 2024 4A State Championship her junior year.
"The connection Coach Lawson and I have built is one of a kind, and I fully trust in her plan for the success of this program," added Crump. "This journey has led me to a Sisterhood that has consistently made me feel like part of the family. The support and love within it are so strong and unique. I'm looking forward to competing alongside these amazing players. I know we will have a tremendous amount of success together. I'm so thankful I get to call this outstanding university and program home."
A mainstay within USA Basketball over the past four years, Crump was part of the USA Women's U16 National Team that won the Gold Medal at the FIBA Americas Championship in Merida, Mexico. She ranked second on the team in made threes and three-point percentage.
Duke finished the 2025-26 campaign 27-9 overall and 16-2 in league action. The Blue Devils captured their first ACC regular season title since 2013 and their 10th ACC Tournament crown. Earning a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, Duke advanced to the Elite Eight before falling to No. 1 seed UCLA.
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