Duke basketball’s pipeline of elite talent keeps flowing, and the 2026 McDonald’s All-American Game is shaping up to be another showcase of what’s coming next to Durham. Two future Blue Devils - Cameron Williams and Deron Rippey Jr. - have been selected to the prestigious event, further cementing Duke’s status as a recruiting powerhouse under Jon Scheyer.
Williams, a 6-foot-11 forward out of Phoenix, Arizona, is currently ranked No. 3 in the Class of 2026 by 247Sports. He’s the kind of frontcourt prospect who turns heads the moment he steps on the floor - long, athletic, and skilled with the ball in his hands.
His size and mobility make him a nightmare matchup at the high school level, and his upside at the college level is sky-high. He’s not just a rim protector or a lob threat - he’s got the tools to be a two-way force.
Then there’s Rippey Jr., a 6-foot-2 point guard from Blair Academy in New Jersey. He’s the top-ranked point guard in the class and sits at No. 10 overall.
Quick, tough, and confident with the ball, Rippey brings a blend of floor leadership and scoring punch that Duke fans have come to expect from their lead guards. He’s got the kind of game that translates - fast-paced, fearless, and built for big moments.
Duke is one of just three programs with multiple commits headed to the McDonald’s All-American Game this year, joining USC and Missouri. And with eight uncommitted players also selected, there’s still room for more movement before the rosters are finalized. But as things stand, the Blue Devils are already in elite company.
This isn’t new territory for Scheyer and his staff. Two years ago, they landed Cooper Flagg, one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory.
This season, it’s Cameron Boozer leading the charge for a loaded freshman class. And now, with Williams and Rippey Jr. already locked in for 2026, the future looks just as bright.
Duke’s ability to consistently bring in top-tier talent isn’t just about stacking stars - it’s about building continuity and culture. Williams and Rippey aren’t just highly ranked; they’re the kind of players who can step into the program and make an impact from day one. That’s the standard in Durham, and these two look ready to meet it.
The McDonald’s All-American Game has long been a preview of college basketball’s next wave of stars. Come 2026, expect to see Williams and Rippey Jr. not just participating - but making a statement. And when they eventually suit up at Cameron Indoor, don’t be surprised if they’re the next names carrying Duke’s legacy forward.