Five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr. made waves by committing to Duke on Tuesday, propelling the Blue Devils to the top of the recruiting class rankings. He chose Duke over strong competitors like NC State, Tennessee, Miami, and Texas. This decision came after a careful evaluation during his official visits, which he took throughout the fall.
Rippey expressed his excitement about joining Duke, saying, “They fit my play style. They want to attack on both offense and defense, and that’s what I do best. My goal is to win a national championship.” He highlighted Coach Jon Scheyer’s focus on recruiting top talent and fostering teamwork as key reasons for his choice.
At 6-foot-1, Rippey hails from Blair Academy in New Jersey and is ranked as the No. 3 point guard and No. 16 overall prospect in the SC Next 100. Known for his explosive athleticism, he excels in pushing the pace and finishing strong near the rim. Over the years, he’s developed a knack for making highlight-reel plays, often drawing defenders before either scoring or setting up teammates.
His stats reflect his hard work. This summer, Rippey averaged 15.2 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.1 steals while shooting 38.1% from beyond the arc on the Adidas 3SSB circuit. He notably shined in a match against fellow five-star point guard Taylen Kinney, where he secured 22 points and made clutch plays down the stretch.
Rippey’s commitment marks Duke’s third five-star addition to their 2026 class, joining top talents Cameron Williams and Bryson Howard. Despite starting late in the recruiting period, Duke has surged ahead to claim the No. 1 spot, a remarkable feat for Coach Scheyer. If they finish strong, it would be the third consecutive year that he has pieced together the top recruiting class.
Duke’s appeal goes beyond basketball. Rippey noted the school’s excellent academics and supportive fan base. The unique culture at Duke continues to attract top players, making it a powerhouse in college basketball.
With further interest in the top-ranked uncommitted guard, Jordan Smith, Duke’s recruitment efforts remain dynamic and promising.
Recent trends show that top recruits are increasingly prioritizing strong academic programs and campus environments as well as basketball success. As more students seek out institutions that excel in both areas, schools like Duke continue to rise in the ranks.
For those tracking college basketball recruiting, the competition is fierce. Duke’s strategies and commitments could reshape the landscape in the coming seasons. As teams adapt, fans are eager to see how these players develop and contribute to their school’s legacy.
For further insights into college basketball recruiting trends and strategies, check out this NCAA report.
