Several elite programs remaining consistent in the recruitment of Top-20 recruit Deron Rippey Jr.

Deron Rippey Jr., a 6-foot-1 point guard in the 2026 class, says the following nine programs have been the most consistent in his recruitment: Kansas, North Carolina, Rutgers, Alabama, Kentucky, Arkansas, Louisville, Syracuse, and Seton Hall.

The four-star prospect out of Blair Academy (NJ) has taken an official visit to Louisville and unofficial visits to Rutgers and Villanova.

Rippey talks recruitment

In a previous interview with On3’s Jamie Shaw, Derron Rippey Jr. discussed several schools involved in his recruitment.

LOUISVILLE: ““I was there for the Tennessee game. We were there for the walk-through and shoot around. I got to see how Coach Kelsey brought he energy the whole day. The whole program was totally engaged. I think they’re going to have a good season, definitely better than what they’ve done the past couple of years.”

RUTGERS: “I’ve been impressed with how much they’ve reached out. They have definitely been the most consistent of all the schools recruiting me. I’ve already been to campus twice, on unofficial visits, for a practice and a game. But their consistency with me is why they’re on my list.”

SETON HALL: “They’re newer recruiting me, but they say all the time how they messed up and should have been recruiting me last year. Coach Shaheen (Holloway) texts me all the time, just trying to build a relationship. He already calls me, Little Bro,” so it’s more than just basketball over there. He’s building a personal relationship.”

VILLANOVA: “I went to Villanova Madness, so I got to see the campus and everything. I loved the environment there. They have a plan for me, for my game and development. Coach (Kyle) Neptune told me he is going to be there, and he has been consistent with me. I like the environment around the campus and how they have produced high-level guards in the past. I just want to see them win.”

What he’s looking for in a school

In that same previous interview with On3’s Jamie Shaw, Rippey said he what he wants in a future college program.

”Number one for me, I am going to look at the school’s academics and their post-basketball plans for me,” Rippey said. “I love to win. I want to win so I’m going to look to see if I think the team can play for a championship and the coaches role for me.

“When I’m on these visits, I’ll look at the team’s culture. See what it is that the players and the coaches prioritize. Do the coaches and players hold each other accountable?

“I am the most comfortable playing with another guard who is like me. So we can have two lead guards, combos on the floor who can set up the offense and score. I like to run my team, play defense, play fast, and get into transition.”