4-star PG Deron Rippey discusses Syracuse and Rutgers as he updates his recruitment

Deron Rippey jumped to No. 15 overall in the latest 2026 On3 150 ranking update. The 6-foot-0 point guard originally from Brooklyn, New York now plays at Blairstown (NJ) Blair Academy. He is currently averaging 12.5 points and 3.8 assists for the New Heights Lightning program on Nike’s E16 Circuit.

“I’m a tough and athletic point guard who forces turnovers and touches the paint and makes the reads from there,” Rippey told On3. “I watch a lot of Keyonte George, I really like his game. I watch guys like Kyrie Irving with his ability to get to spots and touch the paint.”

On3 was able to catch up with four-star Deron Rippey after a recent live viewing to discuss his recruitment.

“Syracuse and Rutgers are the two unofficial visits I have been on to schools that have offered me,” Rippey said.

Rippey talks Syracuse and Rutgers

SYRACUSE: “They like to let their guards play and they don’t really take their guards out. They don’t really run a set offense, they run more of a free-flowing, read-and-react-like offense. They are trying to get back into the New York type of recruiting, trying to get back on some city-like guards.

“My dad has known Red (Coach Adrian Autry) since he was a kid. So being able to carry that relationship on, I feel like we already have a bond there, and I can’t wait to see it keep growing.”

RUTGERS: “They’re a growing team. Just being on the visit, the environment there, and the fans. Coach Pike (Steve Pikiell) is a genuine guy. I think they are building a great program.

“Coach Pike was one of the first coaches to call me on June 15, and he has stayed in consistent contact with me since. So I’m just going to keep connecting and keep growing with them.”

“I don’t have any visits or anything like that set up yet,” Rippey said. “I have been in touch with Arkansas recently, and UNC too.”

In Deron Rippey’s words

“I want to play for a coach that is going to put his trust in me,” Rippey said. “Play for a program that is going to put their trust all the way in me, and not like take me in and out of games if I make just one mistake. I also want to go to a winning program, that is big for me. I also want to play for a coach that will help me put my name on NBA Draft boards.”