2026 PG Deron Rippey talks recruitment; breaks down Syracuse, St. John's, and more

Deron Rippey has established himself as one of the more explosive guards in the 2026 class. The 6-foot-0 guard from Blairstown Township (NJ) Blair Academy had a busy summer, being invited to the USA Basketball U16 Training Camp. He then averaged 13.5 points, 5.0 assists, and 2.8 steals with his New Heights Lightning team during Nike’s E15 Peach Jam.

“I’m a gritty defensive and athletic guard,” Rippey told On3. “I am shifty and can get my teammates involved. I like to watch a lot of Ja Morant and Jaden Ivey. Really explosive guards who can get into the paint and have the athletic ability to get over the rim.”

On3 caught up with Deron Rippey after a recent live viewing to talk about his recruitment. 

Rippey talks recruitment

“I have offers from St. John’s, Syracuse, Oklahoma State, TCU, LIU, Binghampton, Texas A&M, George Washington, Fordham, Hofstra, and Washington,” Rippey said.

St. John’s: “I know they have added a lot of really good players to their roster. The whole program has changed bringing in Rick Pitino. The whole country is looking for them to have a big season. It’s exciting to have an offer from them, I’m from Brooklyn so getting that St. John’s offer was big.”

Syracuse: “The play style is going change from the two-three defense and shoot, to now they’re saying they’re going to be playing man and getting up and down the court. I think they’re going to have a big year this season with that play style change.”

TCU: “They’re in the Big 12 and have a good coach. They made it to the tournament last year and he lets their guards play with freedom.”

Oklahoma State: “Having Coach (Mike) Boynton as a New York native is big. Going to a program with a New York coach allows me to keep the interest because I know they carry that New York pride on the court.”

“Growig  up, I watched a lot of Duke, UNC, and UConn,” Rippey said. “UConn came to some of my AAU games and they have been in contact some so far.”

Rippey’s bloodlines

Deron Rippey’s dad, also Deron Rippey, played basketball at East Carolina. In his final season for the Pirates, 1995-96, played in 27 games, starting two and averaging 20.2 minutes per game.

“My dad is from Brooklyn too, but he played in college at East Carolina,” Rippey said.

At the end of the day

“I want to go to a winning program,” Rippey said. “A program that has a lot of success on the court and a program that makes me feel like I’m at home. I’ll look at the academics too. I’m an athletic point guard who knows how to defend, so going to a program that incorporates defense and playing at a fast pace is something I’ll want to look at as well.”