Five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr. is closing in on one of the biggest decisions of his young basketball career.
The Blair Academy standout and top-ranked point guard in New Jersey’s 2026 class will announce his college commitment on Tuesday, Dec. 30.
His final five? Duke, NC State, Tennessee, Texas, and Miami - a group of high-major programs all eager to land one of the most electric playmakers in the country.
At 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, Rippey Jr. brings a blend of quickness, court vision, and scoring punch that makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He’s currently ranked No. 12 nationally in the 247Sports Composite, and that number reflects just how much of an impact he’s expected to have at the next level.
Rippey’s recruitment has been anything but passive - he’s taken official visits to each of his finalists over the last few months: Miami in late August, Texas in mid-September, Duke in late October, Tennessee just days later, and NC State in early November. Each stop gave him a closer look at how he'd fit into those systems, both on and off the court.
He’s been a key figure at Blair Academy under head coach Joe Mantegna, helping guide the Bucs to a New Jersey Prep Open Championship last season. Rippey’s leadership and poise, especially in big moments, have made him one of the most coveted guards in the country - and not just because of his athleticism. He plays with a command well beyond his years, controlling tempo, creating for teammates, and never shying away from the spotlight.
Among his finalists, Duke is particularly intriguing. Head coach Jon Scheyer already has three commits in the 2026 class - five-star forwards Bryson Howard and Cameron Williams, and four-star center Maxime Meyer. But Rippey Jr. would be the first point guard in that group, potentially stepping into a lead guard role that’s historically been a launching pad for NBA-bound talent in Durham.
Of course, each of his top five offers a unique opportunity. NC State and Tennessee have shown a strong track record of developing guards.
Texas and Miami both offer up-tempo systems that could let Rippey operate in space. And Duke, with its national spotlight and recent recruiting momentum, remains a perennial draw for elite talent.
Wherever he lands, Rippey Jr. is poised to be a program-changer. His decision on Dec. 30 will not only shape his own future - it’ll ripple through the college basketball landscape.