Rutgers University announced the signing of Chikae Desdunes, a four‑star guard ranked No. 51 nationally in the 2026 class by ESPNW, to its women's basketball program for the 2026‑27 season.
Desdunes brings a blend of scoring ability and playmaking, having averaged 11.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game as a senior at John Curtis Christian School, where she captured two state championships.
A Recruit With Proven Talent
The recruit also spent a season at DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida, before returning to the East Coast, and she previously showcased her talents with the CyFair Elite on the Nike EYBL circuit, reaching two Final Fours.
Coach Gary Redus II, who has been tracking Desdunes since her eighth‑grade year, highlighted her versatility, noting that she can score at all three levels and handle the ball with confidence.
The Scarlet Knights' incoming class includes seven transfers — Zennia Thomas, Fatima Diakhate, Tara Daye, Jaylah Lampley, Mia Pauldo, Mya Pauldo and Hope Masonius — who collectively add frontcourt depth, perimeter shooting and defensive flexibility.
Building a Competitive Roster
Thomas, a former MEAC Player of the Year at Howard, brings 15.2 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, while Diakhate contributed 9.4 points and 8.9 rebounds at Pitt, and Daye led Purdue with 12.4 points and 6.5 rebounds.
Lampley, a freshman at Mississippi State, posted 8.3 points and 4.7 rebounds, and the Pauldo twins return to New Jersey after stints at Tennessee, where Mia earned SEC All‑Freshman honors and Mya established herself as a reliable shooter and defender.
Hope Masonius, a New Jersey native who appeared in 23 games for Bucknell, rounds out the group, giving the Scarlet Knights a blend of experience and local talent.
Coaching Vision and Expectations
With this mix of veteran transfers and a highly touted freshman, Rutgers aims to compete immediately in the Big Ten under Redus II, leveraging both on‑court skill and academic strength as key recruiting points.