The Duke basketball staff is now talking to a newly minted five-star floor general in the 2026 class.
It sounds like Deron Rippey Jr. is making quite a name for himself in basketball! Moving up to No. 23 overall and achieving five-star status on the 247Sports 2026 Composite is impressive. It’s also exciting news that he’s catching the attention of Duke basketball coaches. Getting noticed by a prestigious program like Duke is a big deal in the world of college basketball recruiting. His talent and hard work must be really paying off!
It sounds like Deron Rippey Jr. has a promising future ahead in basketball! With approximately two dozen offers already, his skills and potential are clearly catching the eye of many college programs. His speed, instincts, and competitive playstyle are certainly valuable assets that will continue to draw interest from recruiters.
As for Duke basketball and Coach Jon Scheyer, it’ll be interesting to see how their recruitment strategy unfolds for the 2026 cycle. Given Rippey’s rise and current status, it wouldn’t be surprising if Duke becomes more actively involved in pursuing him as a recruit. Keep an eye out for how his journey develops!
Highlights of @NH_Lightning 2026 G Deron Rippey Jr. From the first two days of @madehoops Summer Live S1- playing an elite level to start the live period off! pic.twitter.com/7xrAID16xv
— Brian Flinn (@BflinnHoops) July 12, 2024
Deron Rippey Jr. seems to have a clear understanding of his strengths on the basketball court, emphasizing his toughness, athleticism, and ability to force turnovers. His style, which involves penetrating into the paint and making smart decisions from there, draws inspiration from players like Kyrie Irving and Keyonte George.
It’s notable that Rippey is taking a measured approach to his recruitment despite the growing interest from prominent programs like Duke and UNC. This approach allows him to carefully evaluate his options and make informed decisions about visits and potential commitments in the future.
The fact that he’s been in contact with schools like Arkansas and UNC shows the broad appeal of his talents. It will be intriguing to see how his recruitment journey unfolds as he continues to develop his game and attract attention from top-tier college basketball programs.
