Top Prospect Deron Rippey Jr. Commits to Duke Basketball

Durham, North Carolina – Five-star prospect Deron Rippey Jr. committed to Duke on Tuesday during a live announcement on CBS Sports HQ. The highly sought-after point guard concluded an intense recruitment process by choosing the Blue Devils over NC State, Miami, Tennessee, and Texas.

Ranked as the No. 1 point guard in the Class of 2026 by the 247Sports Composite, Rippey is known for his aggressive defense and exceptional athleticism. Last season, he earned the Gatorade Player of the Year award for New Jersey after averaging 16.2 points, 5.3 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 steals while playing for Blair Academy.

Rippey becomes Duke’s fourth commitment from the Class of 2026 and the third five-star recruit. With his pledge, Duke’s recruiting class has jumped to first in the nation, overtaking Michigan State, Kansas, Maryland, and Purdue.

Despite needing to improve his offensive skills, Rippey brings valuable intangibles to his game. His strong all-around abilities fueled a competitive recruitment among college basketball’s elite programs. 247Sports director of scouting Adam Finkelstein praised Rippey, stating, “He pressures the ball and is dynamic with his burst to the basket. His explosiveness can change the momentum of a game.”

As Rippey continues to hone his skills, he has shown improvements in shooting, making 34% of his three-point attempts during 3SSB play and progressing with his shooting mechanics in his senior season. Fans can stay updated through The Devil's Den, where Duke enthusiasts share the latest news and insights.