One of the most electrifying prospects in the class of 2026 is nearly ready to make his move. Five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr., ranked No. 16 overall, will announce his college commitment on Tuesday, December 30 at 4:00 PM ET.
The decision will come in front of family and friends at the Major R. Owens Center in his hometown of Brooklyn, New York, and will be broadcast live on CBS Sports HQ and the CBS Sports College Basketball YouTube channel.
Rippey’s recruitment has come down to five programs: Duke, NC State, Miami, Tennessee, and Texas. Each school has hosted the dynamic guard on official visits, and each brings something different to the table - from player development pipelines to coaching pedigrees and campus culture. Let’s break down how Rippey sees each of his finalists heading into decision day.
Duke
Duke’s reputation speaks for itself, and Rippey is clearly tuned into the Blue Devils’ history of producing NBA talent.
Head coach Jon Scheyer is working to keep that tradition alive, and Rippey is intrigued by what the program might have in store for him. “Obviously, Duke is a Blue Blood program that gets a lot of dudes to the league,” Rippey said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what Coach Scheyer has envisioned for me and if it could be the place for me.”
Tennessee
There’s a personal connection here that runs deeper than most.
Rippey is familiar with former Vols point guard Zakai Zeigler, another New York City native who came up through the same grassroots program - New Heights Lightning. Rippey sees a bit of himself in Zeigler’s game, especially on the defensive end.
“We both like to pick up full court, cause havoc on defense, and get others involved,” Rippey said. “I like how they used Zakai for sure.”
NC State
New head coach Will Wade has Rippey’s attention, and for good reason.
Wade’s track record of winning - most recently with McNeese State and their upset over Clemson in the NCAA Tournament - stands out. “Regardless of what he’s been through, he’s had winning seasons,” Rippey noted.
“He’s a coach that wants to win at the highest level, and I feel like that sort of represents who I am.”
Miami
The Hurricanes are building something under assistant coach Jai Lucas, and Rippey sees the impact of Lucas’ player development roots from his time at Duke.
That emphasis on grinding in the gym and turning high-level talent into pros resonates. “Guys are always in the gym, constantly getting pro-level work ethic,” Rippey said.
“That’s what stood out to me.”
Texas
The Longhorns made a strong impression on Rippey, both on and off the court.
It’s not just about the system - which he says fits his style - but also the energy on campus. “I love their style of play,” he said.
“Every sport down there is great, so everyone on campus is supporting everything. It’s a very engaging campus, and I want to be somewhere that is a school that loves sports.”
Scouting Rippey: A Two-Way Force with Room to Grow
When you watch Deron Rippey Jr., one thing becomes clear fast - he plays with a motor that never quits. He’s an explosive athlete at the point guard spot, and that athleticism shows up in a big way on both ends of the floor.
Defensively, Rippey sets the tone. He picks up full court, fights through screens, and thrives at the point of attack.
He’s a nightmare for opposing guards, pressuring the ball and disrupting rhythm. While he’s not the longest or biggest guard, his tenacity and athleticism more than make up for it - at least at this stage.
Offensively, Rippey brings a burst that can change the tempo of a game instantly. He’s got the kind of vertical pop that leads to highlight-reel dunks, but there’s more to his game than just raw athleticism.
His perimeter shooting has taken a major step forward - he hit 34% from deep in 3SSB play - and his mechanics have become more fluid and consistent. He’s starting to knock down tougher shots, which bodes well for his future as a scoring threat.
That said, there’s still room for refinement. Like many high-octane guards, Rippey can be streaky with his decision-making.
He averaged 3.1 turnovers per game and shot 38% from the field, numbers that reflect the occasional lapses in shot selection and control. But the tools are there, and so is the work ethic.
Physically, he’s put in the time - cutting up his frame and building the kind of body that can withstand the grind of high-major basketball. Combine that with his defensive edge, improved shooting, and relentless energy, and you’ve got a prospect with the upside to make a major impact at the next level.
Wherever Rippey lands on December 30, he’s going to bring a competitive fire and two-way intensity that coaches crave. He’s already shown he can lead, defend, and score - now it’s just a matter of which program gets to help him take the next step.