Five-star 2026 recruit Deron Rippey Jr. talks his recruitment, game
Blair Academy’s Deron Rippey Jr., a five-star guard out of the 2026 class, has had one heck of a summer. He started early in the Spring with outings at USA Basketball, where he was a U17 finalist, and a great showing at the Top-100 camp in Kissimmee, FL.
It continued all summer long with New Heights and his Blair Academy squad. Despite his elite ability to lead an offense and create for others, Rippey Jr. showed off his all-around skill on the EYBL circuit this summer, averaging 15 points, five assists, and four rebounds.
I most recently watched Rippey Jr. at Blair Academy in July for the Mid-Atlantic Independent Team camp. He had a terrific showing, and his skill and versatility were unmatched. He was one of the event's top performers.
At the event, plenty of schools came out to show their pursuit of Rippey Jr. Those included Purdue, Syracuse, Providence, UConn, St. John’s, and a nice influx of coaches besides that.
His recruitment continues to blossom as he continues to impress.
We discussed his recruitment and his game's development in an interview with Stockrisers.com.
Which schools are heavily involved currently?
“I don’t want to favor any, but if I had to choose who’s been reaching out the most, Arkansas, Purdue, Louisville, Syracuse, St. John’s, Providence, Michigan, Illinois, Wake Forest, Rutgers, Georgia Tech. It’s a lot more.”
For sure, and have any new schools reached out?
“Kentucky, UNC, Duke, Kansas, UConn, Miss. State, and Seton Hall.”
And what is a school like UConn pitching to you early on?
“They’ve been out to see me multiple times; they said they love my game, but that’s it. I’ve been up to see the campus and meet Coach Hurley and Kimani, and it was a really good and exciting experience. I loved their style of play and culture there.”
How about your newest offer from Purdue? Do you have any thoughts on that and them?
“I was excited when they offered, them being a high-level program that in the conversation of a national title every year made me feel good about this spring, but I know I got to keep getting better to reach that higher level.”
And Providence, they’ve been recruiting you heavily for a while; what are your thoughts on them?
“I like their program and what they’ve been able to achieve in the Big East. I like their style of play and seeing their success keep growing as a program. It's exciting to see how they keep achieving success, and it’s eye-catching.”
And as far as visits, are you done for now?
“I haven’t set anything officially up, but I’ve been in talks with various schools.”
And for your game, what improvements have you been making this summer to an already polished skill set?
“I'm Staying and getting in better shape strength-wise and conditioning. I'm playing with pace and improving my jump shot, which could never be too improved.”
And how would you describe your game to those who don’t know?
“I am a Fast-paced guard who can control the game on both ends. I get to my spots to get myself or my teammates involved, as well as play above the rim.”
What is an underrated part of your game that you feel will improve this year?
“My jump-shooting.”
What are your goals going into this upcoming season?
“Win as many games as possible and kill everything.”