Duke’s Latest Recruit: Deron Rippey Jr. Joins the Blue Devils

A Major Commitment

In an exciting announcement that has sent ripples through college basketball, five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr. has committed to join the prestigious Duke Blue Devils, elevating them to the top of the recruiting class rankings. This highly anticipated decision was revealed by insiders Jeff Borzello and Paul Biancardi, who have their fingers on the pulse of basketball recruiting.

Choosing Duke Over Rivals

Rippey chose Duke after considering various programs, including NC State, Tennessee, Miami, and Texas. He took official visits to each of these contenders, with his perceived favorite shifting multiple times over the summer. However, as the fall progressed, Duke made Rippey a high priority in their backcourt strategies.

“I felt like they fit my play style,” Rippey stated. He emphasized how Duke’s dynamic offensive and defensive strategies align with his aggressive approach to the game. His aspirations to win a national championship resonate with the high standards set by Coach Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils’ culture of excellence.

On-Campus Experience

Rippey’s visit to Duke was timed perfectly, as he attended a thrilling preseason exhibition game where the Blue Devils triumphed against UCF. He remarked on the unique atmosphere: “The fan base at Duke is different. The support for basketball is incredible, the education is of a high academic standard, and the alumni are everywhere.” This immersive experience further solidified his choice to become a Blue Devil.

Profile of a Future Star

Standing at 6-foot-1, Rippey hails from Blair Academy in New Jersey and is ranked as the No. 16 overall prospect in the SC Next 100, as well as the No. 3 point guard in the country. His explosive playing style makes him one of the most exciting talents in high school basketball today. With remarkable speed and a powerful finish, he creates highlight-reel moments regularly. Whether driving to the basket or facilitating plays, Rippey’s skill set is impressive.

His strengths include:

• Elite Burst and Finishing Ability: Rippey excels in transition and is capable of finishing strong around the rim.
• Court Vision: He possesses an innate ability to read the game, constantly looking for ideal passing opportunities.
• 3-Point Shooting: His shooting percentage has improved significantly, showcasing his well-rounded skill set.
• Tenacious Defense: On the defensive end, Rippey is recognized for his on-ball pressure and ability to disrupt opposing offenses.

Summer Showcase Performance

The summer circuit proved pivotal for Rippey’s recruitment. He averaged 15.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 2.1 steals, shooting 38.1% from 3-point range during the Adidas 3SSB circuit. One of his standout performances came against fellow five-star point guard Taylen Kinney, where he scored 22 points, dished out 11 assists, and made critical plays that included a game-tying layup and a decisive game-winning steal.

Strengthening Duke’s Class

Rippey’s commitment marks him as the third five-star recruit in Duke’s 2026 class, joining Cameron Williams and Bryson Howard. Additionally, the Blue Devils have secured four-star center Maxime Meyer. Despite a late start to their recruiting cycle, Duke has surged from No. 3 to No. 1 in the rankings, highlighting Coach Scheyer’s strategic recruiting prowess. If they conclude this cycle with the top class, it will mark the third consecutive year that Coach Scheyer has achieved this milestone.

Coach Scheyer’s Vision

Rippey admires the vision that Coach Scheyer has for the program. “Coach Scheyer is a very smart coach. He is just as in tune with his players on the court as he is off the court,” Rippey said. This connection plays a crucial role in the cultural fabric of Duke basketball, making Rippey believe that the standards will continue to rise under Scheyer’s guidance.

Future Prospects

With Rippey now in the fold, Duke’s recruiting efforts are not slowing down. They remain in the hunt for Jordan Smith, the top-ranked uncommitted guard in the class. The thrill around Duke basketball is palpable as fans and analysts alike eagerly watch how this recruiting cycle unfolds.

In summary, Deron Rippey Jr.’s commitment to Duke is not just a significant addition to their roster but also a reflection of the high-caliber talent that the Blue Devils are attracting. As the college basketball landscape continues to evolve, Rippey symbolizes the future of Duke basketball—a blend of skill, ambition, and a winning mentality.