Deron Rippey Jr. isn’t just another name on the recruiting trail - he’s the name at point guard in the 2026 class. The five-star standout from Blairstown, New Jersey, has carved out a reputation as the top floor general in the country and the No. 12 overall prospect, per the 247Sports Composite. And with nearly 50 offers to sift through, Rippey has narrowed his list to five blue-chip programs: Duke, Miami, NC State, Tennessee, and Texas.
The decision is coming soon. After taking official visits to all five finalists - and a few others along the way - Rippey has locked in December 30 as his commitment date. So now the question becomes: where is the country’s top point guard headed?
Let’s break it down.
Duke: The Blueprint for NBA Dreams
It’s hard to ignore the gravitational pull of Duke. The Blue Devils are always in the mix for elite talent, and Rippey’s comments suggest they’ve made a strong impression. Head coach Jon Scheyer just secured a contract extension, and Duke sent five players to the NBA Draft last year - numbers that speak directly to what Rippey is looking for.
“Duke is great, man,” Rippey said. “Jon Scheyer just got his extension.
They had five NBA draft picks last year, so that’s obviously eye-opening and eye-catching for me. You know, being able to go there and potentially have a chance to follow in the footsteps of some of those people that got drafted.”
That’s not just lip service - that’s a player who’s seriously weighing how a program can shape his path to the pros. And when it comes to producing NBA-ready talent, Duke has long been one of the gold standards.
Miami: Familiar Faces in New Places
Don’t sleep on Miami. The Hurricanes have been climbing the college hoops ladder with purpose, and a big part of their pitch to Rippey is head coach Jai Lucas - a name that might ring a bell for Duke fans. Lucas was previously on staff in Durham, and his reputation for player development has clearly stuck with Rippey.
“All the success of Duke’s high-level NBA draft picks, [Lucas] was sort of like the head of the player development and being in the gym with those guys,” Rippey said. “Being that assistant that had that personal connection with them. So that really stood out to me.”
That personal touch - the behind-the-scenes work that doesn’t always make headlines - matters to a player like Rippey. He’s not just chasing a brand name; he’s looking for a program that can fine-tune his game and help him reach the next level.
NC State: A Longstanding Relationship
Then there’s NC State, where the connection runs deep. The Wolfpack might not have the same national spotlight as Duke or the recent surge of Miami, but they’ve got something just as valuable: trust and familiarity. General manager Andrew Slater has been following Rippey’s journey for years, and that long-term investment hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“He’s been watching me since I was a little kid. So that definitely is important to me,” Rippey said of Slater.
Add in head coach Will Wade, who’s built a reputation for maximizing talent and competing with the big names, and NC State has a compelling case - especially for a player who values relationships and loyalty.
Tennessee and Texas: Still in the Mix
While Duke, Miami, and NC State have drawn the most buzz, Tennessee and Texas remain firmly in the race. Both programs have proven they can develop guards and compete at a high level. Rippey’s visits to Knoxville and Austin gave him a firsthand look at what each program has to offer, and both are known for their ability to build tough, competitive backcourts.
The Final Stretch
With December 30 circled on the calendar, Deron Rippey Jr. is closing in on a decision that could shape the next phase of his basketball journey - and potentially the fortunes of whichever program lands him. Duke offers the NBA pipeline.
Miami brings a rising coach with personal ties. NC State counters with a long-standing relationship and a belief in Rippey’s potential.
No matter where he lands, Rippey’s commitment will be one of the most impactful of the 2026 cycle. He’s a dynamic playmaker with elite vision, a strong handle, and the kind of leadership you want running your offense. And come December 30, one of these five programs is going to get a whole lot better.