Wisconsin women's basketball receives commitment from top-ranked class of 2026 forward
Wisconsin women's basketball made arguably its most notable splash of the offseason on Sunday.
With first-year head coach Robin Pingeton at the helm, Wisconsin received a commitment from four-star class of 2026 forward Adaline Sheplee. According to UW, the Rice Lake, Wisconsin, native is the highest-rated recruit to commit to the Badgers since Latonya Sims in 1997.
247Sports ranks Speplee as the No. 51 overall prospect, No. 16 power forward and No. 2 player from Wisconsin for the class of 2026. On3/Rivals, meanwhile, lists her as the No. 6 power forward, while ESPN's NEXT 100 considers Sheplee the No. 32 overall player in the class.
With one more year of varsity basketball remaining at Rice Lake High School, Sheplee boasts an extensive offer sheet. In addition to UW, she holds offers from Michigan, TCU, Utah, Illinois, Clemson, Louisville, Maryland, Miami (FL), Kansas, Florida, Ole Miss, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech and Iowa State.
In 27 contests for Rice Lake last season, Sheplee averaged a whopping 24.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 3.2 steals and 1.4 blocks in 33.2 minutes per appearance. On Dec. 6, she flashed her brilliance with a season-high 43 points on 16-of-25 from the field in a win over New Richmond.
While she won't suit up for UW until next fall, Sheplee's addition to the Badgers' program is nothing short of substantial. The in-state talent possesses the skill to impact a game on both sides of the court, something former program great Serah Williams perfected during her tenure in Madison.
Here's what Brandon Clay, 247Sports' director of scouting for women's basketball, wrote about Sheplee in her recruiting profile:
"Sheplee is a versatile option in the front court, also starring on the volleyball floor...She runs well in transition and has a nice shooting touch from the midrange. Sheplee can continue to mature physically. Her production will keep increasing as a result of added strength, especially in the paint. All the natural attributes and tools for success are there."
Pingeton, who took over for former head coach Marisa Moseley this spring, has already reshaped Wisconsin's roster ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. UW signed Croatian center Dorja Zaja and added Illinois forward Shay Bollin, Stony Brook guard Breauna Ware, Howard guard Destiny Howell, NC State guard Laci Steele, Southern Illinois forward Gift Uchenna and Missouri State guard Kyrah Daniels via the transfer portal this offseason.
Pingeton's sights, however, have extended far beyond. As of Aug. 10, Sheplee appears to be a key part of the future of the program.
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