The Oregon Ducks women’s basketball program is gearing up for an exciting future under head coach Kelly Graves, who has secured one of the most balanced and high-potential incoming recruiting classes in recent years.
This class brings together elite guard play, nationally recognized scoring ability, and a skilled 6’4 post presence, giving the Ducks the versatility and depth needed to compete at the highest level as they continue into the Big Ten era.
The 2026 class features three standout athletes — La’u Pele Falatea, Brooklynn Haywood, and Emilia Krstevski — each offering immediate impact potential and long-term upside.
Breakdown of Oregon’s New Recruiting Class
The Ducks’ 2026 class is small in numbers but big in talent, with all three players projected to be future starters and system-defining contributors.
1. La’u Pele Falatea — The High-IQ Combo Guard
Falatea is a skilled 5’9 guard known for her strong decision-making, elite vision, and ability to play both ends of the floor. She brings:
- Advanced basketball IQ
- Strong on-ball defense
- Three-level scoring ability
- Ability to play both point guard and shooting guard
Her natural leadership and polished skill set make her one of the most college-ready guards in the class.
2. Brooklynn Haywood — The Elite Scoring Guard
Haywood enters Oregon as one of the most explosive scorers in the Northwest. Standing 5’9, she is known for:
- Consistent 30+ point performances in high-level competition
- Deep-range shooting
- Smooth ball-handling and shot creation
- Ability to score in transition and half-court sets
She is expected to fill the Ducks’ need for a dynamic, go-to scorer on the perimeter — a trademark of Kelly Graves’ top teams.
3. Emilia Krstevski — The Skilled 6’4 Center
Krstevski adds size and presence in the paint that Oregon has been seeking. At 6-foot-4, she offers:
- Strong interior finishing
- Solid rebounding instincts
- Length and timing for rim protection
- Passing ability rare for a post player
Coming from a powerhouse high school environment, she has the discipline and experience to make an early impact.
Oregon Ducks 2026 Recruiting Class Snapshot
| Player | Position / Height | Key Strengths | Projected Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| La’u Pele Falatea | Guard – 5’9″ | Playmaking, IQ, defense, 3-level scoring | Early rotation guard, future starter |
| Brooklynn Haywood | Guard – 5’9″ | Elite scorer, shooting, shot creation | Immediate scoring option, potential star |
| Emilia Krstevski | Center – 6’4″ | Interior scoring, rim protection, rebounding | Frontcourt anchor, long-term starter |
How This Class Fits Oregon’s Future Identity
As Oregon transitions deeper into the Big Ten, this class provides exactly what the Ducks need:
- Ball handlers who can break pressure and score
- Shooters who can stretch the floor
- A mobile post player capable of defending larger Big Ten centers
Kelly Graves has always built teams around versatility, pace, and interchangeable guards. This class embodies that blueprint — but with added size and scoring punch.
The trio is also known for their high work ethic and competitiveness, qualities that match Oregon’s culture of development and resilience.
Kelly Graves has secured a high-upside, well-balanced recruiting class that reflects Oregon’s vision for the future: smart guards, elite scoring ability, and frontcourt strength.
Falatea, Haywood, and Krstevski bring the perfect combination of skill, size, and versatility to keep the Ducks competitive on the national stage.
If developed well, this group could form the core of Oregon’s next championship-caliber roster and set the tone for the program’s continued rise in the Big Ten and beyond.