UPDATE: In a significant turn of events, five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr. has officially committed to Duke University, propelling the Blue Devils to the top of the national recruiting rankings. This announcement was made just hours ago, marking a pivotal moment for Coach Jon Scheyer and his program.
Rippey, ranked as the No. 3 point guard in the country for the 2026 class, chose Duke over heavyweights like NC State, Tennessee, Miami, and Texas. His decision comes after a series of official visits, including a crucial trip to Duke in late October, where he witnessed the Blue Devils triumph over UCF in a preseason exhibition.
“The fan base at Duke is different,” Rippey shared with ESPN. “The support for basketball is incredible, the education is of a high academic standard, and the alumni are everywhere.” His commitment solidifies Duke’s status as the frontrunner in recruiting, as they aim for a third consecutive top-ranked class under Scheyer’s leadership.
Standing at 6-foot-1 and hailing from Blair Academy in New Jersey, Rippey is not just another recruit. He has emerged as one of the most explosive players in high school basketball, known for his ability to finish strong at the rim and make game-changing plays. He averaged 15.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 2.1 steals during the Adidas 3SSB circuit this summer, shooting an impressive 38.1% from beyond the arc.
The implications of Rippey’s commitment are enormous. His dynamic play style aligns perfectly with Duke’s aggressive offensive and defensive strategies. “They want to be on the attack on both offense and defense, and that is what I do best,” Rippey emphasized. His vision and decision-making on the court will be integral to Duke’s aspirations for a national championship.
Rippey is the third five-star commitment for Duke’s 2026 class, joining No. 2 Cameron Williams and No. 17 Bryson Howard, along with four-star center Maxime Meyer. This rapid ascent in recruiting has moved Duke from No. 3 to No. 1 in national rankings, a remarkable feat considering the late commitments of key players.
As Duke continues to solidify its roster, attention now turns to Jordan Smith, the top-ranked uncommitted guard in the class. The Blue Devils are in the mix to secure his commitment, which would further enhance their chances of dominating the upcoming seasons.
Rippey’s arrival at Duke not only boosts the team’s competitiveness but also signals his ambitious goal of making an immediate impact. “Their plan for me is to come in to lead and make an impact on winning. I am all about both,” he stated, embodying the spirit of a player ready to deliver greatness.
This breaking news is generating buzz across social media as fans and analysts alike react to Duke’s remarkable recruiting efforts. Stay tuned for further updates as the 2026 class continues to take shape, with eyes on the potential of the Blue Devils’ latest star.
