Latest Update on Tar Heels Target Deron Rippey Jr.
Deron Rippey Jr., the 6’2″, 175‑lb point guard from Blair Academy (NJ), remains one of the hottest prospects in the Class of 2026—and North Carolina’s interest has only intensified in recent months.
⭐ UNC’s Involvement & Recruiting Timeline
- Recruitment Beginnings
UNC made early inroads in December 2024, with assistant staff checking in and Rippey naming UNC (alongside UConn) as one of his “dream schools” . - Official Scholarship Offer
On December 31, 2024, UNC formally extended a scholarship. He’s now the seventh player on their ’26 board—coming off a dominant 27.5 PPG, 5 RPG, and 4.5 APG performance in the Jordan Holiday Classic . - Official Visit Scheduled
In late June 2025, Rippey announced an official UNC visit for August 31–September 2, joining other scheduled visits to Alabama and Texas . This is a pivotal moment for UNC to showcase its program and staff personally. - Scout on the Courtside
UNC coaches have been regularly attending his games throughout spring and summer showcases—signaling deep and sustained interest .
On-Court Performance & Profile
- Top-Tier Rankings
Listed between No. 18–21 nationally and inside the top 5 at his position on composite boards; he’s also the No. 1 player in New Jersey per multiple outlets . - Elite Showcase Resumes
- At the Adidas Eurocamp in Treviso (June 2025), Rippey earned all‑camp honors—averaging 17.3 PPG, 4.3 APG, 4.3 RPG, and 1.5 SPG .
- During grassroots action this summer, he delivered a 22-11-? masterclass against Wildcat Select and followed with a 19-6-5 performance versus Dream Vision .
- He’s flashed highlight dunks, deep shooting range, elite court vision, and consistent motor.
Competition: Who’s in the Mix?
- Kentucky
Offered in mid‑June; he’ll visit Lexington August 1–3 . - Alabama, Louisville, Villanova, Indiana
Each has extended offers; he’s unofficially visited some, officially visited others like Louisville . - Additional Interest
He’s drawing attention from Miami, Auburn, Tennessee, Texas Tech, Rutgers, Purdue, LSU, Kansas, Syracuse, NC State and more—meaning UNC’s face‑to‑face impressions in August could be decisive .
Implications for UNC
- Guard Room Boost
UNC is prioritizing talent in backcourt scoring and playmaking. Rippey’s ability to control tempo, space the floor, and run the offense could fill a key need—especially with their current guard rotation acknowledged as an area for reinforcement . - Development Track Record
UNC’s success in nurturing guards—especially those from the Northeast—could give them an edge. Challenges with NIL funding and portal activity notwithstanding, Rippey regarded UNC as a dream destination . - Face-Off Hits Before Decision Time
With Kentucky, Louisville, and Alabama also deeply involved, the late‑August official visit will be UNC’s last best chance to earn his commitment before decisions come in fall.
What to Watch This Summer
- July Showcases & AAU Circuit – Continued elite performances will reinforce his status and competitive options.
- Kentucky Visit (Aug 1–3) – How that experience plays out could sway his perception.
- UNC Visit (Aug 31–Sept 2) – The pivotal moment: facilities, coaching staff connection, masterpiece gameplan presentation.
- Decision Timeline – Most top 2026 recruits choose by early October, ahead of senior season.
✅ Summary
Deron Rippey Jr. is one of the nation’s top uncommitted point guards. He already holds offers from UNC, Kentucky, Louisville, Alabama, Indiana, and others, sitting 18–21 nationally, top 5 at his position. UNC offered in December 2024 and secured an official visit for end of August. Strong evaluations from camps and AAU this summer keep him in high demand—and ready to make a big decision in favor of whichever program leaves the strongest impression during his visits.
UNC fans: keep an eye on Rippey’s performance across July, his Kentucky visit, and especially August 31–Sept 2. A Tar Heel commitment from him would significantly lift the ’26 class and add dynamism to Chapel Hill’s backcourt vision.
