Duke basketball continues to build its legacy as a powerhouse in college athletics, attracting exceptional talent from across the nation. Recently, five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr. from Blair Academy in New Jersey announced his commitment to join Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils. The announcement comes as a significant boost to Duke’s already impressive 2026 recruiting class.
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 175 pounds, Rippey is known for his dynamic playing style, showcasing remarkable speed, bounce, and advanced skills on the court. He chose Duke over a competitive list of finalists, including the Texas Longhorns, Tennessee Volunteers, Miami Hurricanes, and NC State Wolfpack. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the Blue Devils, especially considering that prior to Duke’s intensified recruiting approach earlier this month, many experts speculated that NC State was the leading contender for Rippey’s commitment.
Rippey’s commitment follows a productive visit to Duke in late October, where he experienced the excitement of a home exhibition game against the UCF Knights. His current ranking stands impressive at No. 12 overall and No. 1 among point guards and in New Jersey, according to the 247Sports 2026 Composite rankings.
The news of Rippey’s commitment further strengthens Duke’s recruiting efforts, which already includes three notable early signees: four-star center Maxime Meyer from IMG Academy, five-star small forward Bryson Howard from Heritage High School, and five-star power forward Cameron Williams from St. Mary’s Catholic High School. With Rippey’s addition, Duke’s recruiting class is poised to be ranked among the top nationally, currently sitting at No. 5 overall.
Meanwhile, as the Blue Devils aim for further success on the recruitment trail, they are also eyeing Paul VI Catholic High School’s five-star combo guard, Jordan Smith Jr. Expectations are high for Smith, who is expected to announce his college decision in the coming month.
Duke continues to solidify its reputation under head coach Jon Scheyer, who is on track to achieve his fourth top-ranked recruiting class within his first five years. The future looks bright for Duke basketball as they cultivate a roster filled with elite talent while aiming for continued success on the court.