Five-Star Point Guard Deron Rippey Jr. Sets December 30 Decision Date

One of the crown jewels of the 2026 class, five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr., has officially set the date for his college commitment. The Blair Academy standout will announce his decision on Tuesday, December 30th at 4 p.m. ET at the Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center in Brooklyn.

Rippey, a Brooklyn native and consensus top-10 national recruit, has narrowed his list to four elite programs, NC State, Duke, Miami, and Texas  after trimming his original top five that also included Tennessee.

Recruitment Recap: A Star’s Journey

At 6-2 with high-level playmaking ability and lockdown defensive instincts, Rippey has drawn widespread praise and heavy interest from across college basketball. He’s taken official visits to all of his finalists and has consistently been ranked among the nation’s best point guards in his class, with composite rankings placing him as a top-10 overall player. 

The Final Four: Who’s In the Lead?

Duke

Duke has been viewed recently as the perceived frontrunner in Rippey’s recruitment. The Blue Devils’ combination of historic winning tradition, consistent NBA pipeline, and a strong recruiting foundation, including recently extending head coach Jon Scheyer’s contract has made Durham a compelling landing spot. Rippey’s visit to Duke came at a time when the program’s national profile was soaring, and insiders say momentum could be leaning in the Blue Devils’ favor heading into the decision.

NC State

A familiar contender throughout this recruitment has been NC State. Wolfpack staffer Andrew Slater has a long-standing relationship with Rippey, having evaluated him since he was very young, a connection that matters to elite prospects. NC State’s coaching continuity and the opportunity for Rippey to be a cornerstone of the program’s resurgence keep the Wolfpack firmly in the mix.

Miami

Miami has carved out a strong case as an under-the-radar contender, with assistant coach Jai Lucas’s player development reputation drawing Rippey’s attention. Miami’s recent success and roster growth, plus its strong on-campus culture, could give the Hurricanes a late boost in his considerations.

Texas

Though perhaps less publicly discussed than Duke or NC State, Texas remains in the conversation as Rippey’s choice day approaches. The Longhorns’ combination of Big 12 competition, NIL market potential, and recent program trajectory provide a compelling case, especially for a guard with pro aspirations.

Decision Week What to Watch

As December 30th approaches, the basketball world will be watching Rippey’s recruitment closely. With elite playmaking, defensive versatility, and leadership skills that project immediately to the college level, his commitment could shift the national recruiting landscape this cycle.

Whether he chooses a traditional power like Duke, a rising ACC contender in NC State, the pro-track environment at Miami, or a program with marquee exposure like Texas, Rippey’s landing spot will instantly become one of the most impactful for the 2026 class.

Written by Alex Karamanos | December 17, 2025