UPDATE: Five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr. has just announced his commitment to Duke University, propelling the Blue Devils to the top of the 2026 recruiting class rankings. This highly-anticipated decision was confirmed on Tuesday, as Rippey chose Duke over notable contenders such as NC State, Tennessee, Miami, and Texas.
Rippey’s commitment is a game-changer for Duke. The 6-foot-1 standout from Blair Academy in New Jersey is currently ranked as the No. 3 point guard and No. 16 overall prospect in the SC Next 100. His explosive play style, characterized by elite speed and a powerful finishing ability, makes him a formidable addition to Coach Jon Scheyer’s lineup.
“I felt like they fit my play style,” Rippey told ESPN. “They want to be on the attack on both offense and defense, and that is what I do best.” His commitment underscores Duke’s strong emphasis on aggressive, high-level basketball, aiming for nothing less than a national championship.
Rippey visited Duke in late October and witnessed the Blue Devils’ impressive victory over UCF in a preseason exhibition game. He remarked, “The fan base at Duke is different… the support for basketball is incredible.” His enthusiasm for both the athletic and academic opportunities at Duke played a pivotal role in his decision.
In a standout summer, Rippey averaged 15.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 2.1 steals while competing on the Adidas 3SSB circuit. Notably, he showcased his talent in a high-stakes matchup against fellow five-star recruit Taylen Kinney, scoring 22 points and dishing out 11 assists.
Rippey is now the third five-star commitment for Duke’s 2026 class, joining Cameron Williams and Bryson Howard. The Blue Devils have also secured four-star center Maxime Meyer. With the addition of Rippey, Duke has surged from No. 3 to No. 1 in recruiting class rankings, marking a significant momentum shift for the program.
This latest commitment positions Duke to potentially secure the top-ranked recruiting class for the third consecutive year under Coach Scheyer, who has been praised for his strategic approach and player development. “Coach Scheyer is a very smart coach,” Rippey stated. “He is just as in tune with his players on the court as he is off the court.”
Looking ahead, Duke remains in pursuit of Jordan Smith, the top-ranked uncommitted guard in the class, further amplifying the excitement surrounding their recruiting efforts. As the basketball community reacts to this pivotal signing, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Rippey will impact Duke’s future on the court.
Stay tuned as we continue to monitor developments in this dynamic recruiting cycle.