UPDATE: The Duke Blue Devils have just secured a major commitment from five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr., marking a significant milestone in the NCAA basketball recruiting landscape for the class of 2026. This announcement comes just hours ago on December 30, 2025, as Duke aims to solidify its position with the top-ranked recruiting class in the country.
Rippey Jr. is set to join an elite group of prospects, as he becomes the 16th five-star recruit in the class. His commitment is a game-changer for Duke, which is already building momentum for a third consecutive No. 1 recruiting class. With Rippey Jr. on board, the Blue Devils reinforce their backcourt, preparing for the upcoming seasons.
Why does this matter? Rippey Jr. is not just a top prospect; he’s an ultra-aggressive playmaker known for his explosive speed and playmaking ability. His ability to penetrate defenses and create scoring opportunities will be invaluable to Duke as they look to compete for national titles. His commitment also raises questions about the future of Duke’s current point guards, including Caleb Foster, who still has eligibility remaining.
In addition to Rippey Jr., Duke has secured commitments from other highly-rated players, including Cameron Williams, a power forward ranked No. 2, who joined the Blue Devils on November 14, 2025. Williams brings a versatile skill set, including a reliable three-point shot, making him a perfect complement to Rippey Jr.’s play style.
The competition for Rippey Jr. was fierce, with programs like Kentucky, UCLA, and Indiana all vying for his commitment. His decision to choose Duke underscores the program’s resurgence under coach Jon Scheyer and its appeal to elite talent.
As the recruiting cycle heats up, other schools are making moves as well. Kansas recently landed five-star point guard Taylen Kinney on September 28, 2025, while Missouri has also secured top commitments, including Jason Crowe and Toni Bryant. The landscape of college basketball recruiting continues to evolve rapidly, with each commitment shaping the future of these programs.
What’s next for Duke? With Rippey Jr. and Williams now committed, the Blue Devils will look to finalize their roster for the 2026 season. The coaching staff is expected to explore additional prospects to strengthen the class further, potentially eyeing other five-star recruits still available.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Rippey Jr.’s dynamic skill set will translate to the collegiate level and how it will impact Duke’s strategy going forward. The Blue Devils are positioned not just for immediate success but for long-term dominance in college basketball.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow the latest commitments and developments in NCAA basketball recruiting. This year’s class is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent history, and the implications of these commitments will be felt across the nation.
