BREAKING: 5-Star Point Guard Deron Rippey Jr. Commits to Duke
In a major recruiting win for Duke basketball, Deron Rippey Jr., the nation’s top point guard in the Class of 2026, has officially committed to the Duke Blue Devils on Tuesday, Dec. 30, choosing Durham over Tennessee, NC State, Miami, and Texas. The 6-foot-2, five-star guard ranked among the top players nationally will bring elite playmaking, athleticism, and defensive intensity to a Duke roster hungry for a true lead guard.
Who Is Deron Rippey Jr.?
Rippey Jr., hailing from Blair Academy (NJ) and Brooklyn, is one of the most coveted prospects in the 2026 class. A five-star recruit, he’s widely regarded as the top point guard in the country and a consensus top-10 national talent, blending speed, playmaking, and defensive disruption. His high-school résumé includes dynamic scoring, elite assist numbers, and defensive versatility that make him a complete floor general at the prep level.
Why Duke?
Duke landed a major boost in its 2026 class with Rippey’s pledge. The Blue Devils already boast elite frontcourt talent, but adding Rippey secures a true floor leader, something the team lacked this season. Scheyer’s staff was heavily involved throughout Rippey’s recruitment, with assistant coaches attending his games and Scheyer himself hosting visits, signaling how highly Duke valued him.
For Rippey, Duke’s NBA track record, player development, and storied tradition were significant selling points. He cited Duke’s recent production of NBA talent and the vision head coach Jon Scheyer painted for his role in Durham as key parts of his decision-making.
How Rippey Fits Jon Scheyer’s System
Under Jon Scheyer, the former Duke star and current head coach, the Blue Devils have maintained an up-tempo, versatile offensive identity that prizes spacing, quick decision-making, and defensive pressure. Scheyer’s teams have looked to blend modern guard play with traditional Duke efficiency, and Rippey aligns perfectly with that philosophy.
Here’s how Rippey projects in Scheyer’s system:
Lead Playmaker: Rippey’s elite court vision and ability to push the pace will give Duke a true point guard who can run Scheyer’s transition-oriented sets and initiate half-court offense.
Defensive Disruptor: Known for aggressive on-ball pressure and full-court intensity, Rippey fits Duke’s defensive principles, creating turnovers and turning defense into offense.
Spacing & Shooting: While his shooting is still evolving, Rippey’s improved perimeter game adds a dimension to Duke’s spacing, enabling more pick-and-roll actions and kick-outs for shooters.
NBA Trajectory: Scheyer’s system increasingly mirrors pro schemes, emphasizing read-and-react decision making. Rippey’s strengths dovetail with that approach, positioning him for early playing time and professional preparation.
What This Means for Duke’s 2026 Class
Rippey’s commitment boosts Duke’s already strong 2026 recruiting haul, anchoring the backcourt and giving Scheyer a potential cornerstone for the next era of Blue Devils basketball. Duke now looks positioned to compete for championships with a more balanced roster, blending size, wingspan, and now elite point-of-attack playmaking.
For Rippey, Durham offers both development and exposure, the chance to lead a storied program deep into March and sharpen his all-around game against ACC competition.
This commitment not only energizes the Duke fanbase but could reshape the landscape of the 2026 class, placing the Blue Devils firmly among the elite nationally and giving Scheyer a dynamic leader to build around.
Written by Alex Karamanos | December 30, 2025