Highly-recruited 2025 prospect Grace Mbugua commits to Louisville

Highly-recruited 2025 prospect Grace Mbugua has committed to the Louisville Cardinals, she announced on Thursday evening. Mbugua originally committed to Liberty but reopened her recruitment this summer after a breakout 2023-24 season. 

An assortment of high-major programs expressed their interest almost immediately after her state tournament where she put up 34 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks. She averaged 25.7 points, 15.4 rebounds and 6.6 blocks per game last season for Danville Christian Academy. 

The 6-foot-5 versatile post player chose the Cardinals over LSU, Florida, Kentucky, Duke, NC State, Baylor and West Virginia. She took her official visit last weekend and informed the staff of her decision shortly after. 

“She can play 1 through 5,” one Power 5 coach who’s watched her play told On3. “She has a really nice 3-point shot. She can clear the glass and run in transition. She can bring it up herself. She’s an elite rebounder and shot blocker and she’s got good handles. She has a really strong all-around game.” 

Mbugua, who came to Danville (KY) from Kenya at age 12 has never played travel basketball and improved immensely last season. Although not highly-ranked in any major girls basketball publication, coaches echo the sentiment that she’ll make a true impact at the college level. 

Mbugua is Louisville’s first commit in the Class of 2025. Other targets for the Cardinals include Ciara Byars, ZaKiyah Johnson, Deniya Prawl and Jaliya Davis.