The Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball program is continuing its legacy of excellence by successfully securing a commitment from standout point guard Deron Rippey Jr. on Tuesday. Rippey, who hails from the Blair Academy in Blairstown, New Jersey, has garnered significant attention for his exceptional skills and has emerged as the second-ranked point guard in the 2026 recruiting class, according to 247Sports.
In a heartfelt statement, Rippey expressed gratitude for the support he has received, stating, “It means the world to have all these people here to support me.” After considering offers from prestigious programs such as NC State, Miami, Tennessee, and Texas, Rippey ultimately chose Duke, reinforcing the program’s reputation for attracting top-tier talent.
247Sports ranks Rippey as the 16th-best overall prospect in his class, highlighting his potential impact on the college basketball landscape. His commitment bolsters Duke’s recruiting efforts, enabling head coach Jon Scheyer to claim the top recruiting class for 2026, alongside other promising recruits including Cameron Williams, Bryson Howard, and Maxime Meyer.
Rippey remains focused on his aspirations, noting, “I want to play at the highest levels, that’s always been my dream when it comes to playing Division I basketball.” He also emphasized that Duke will be gaining a “winner, competitor and leader,” suggesting that his influence will not be limited to his on-court contributions.
As Duke continues to reload with elite talent, the future looks bright for the Blue Devils, who aim to maintain their championship-winning legacy in the coming years. Rippey’s commitment is not only a personal milestone but also signifies a strong continuation of Duke’s tradition of excellence in college basketball.