The UNC basketball staff ensured it had a presence on hand for five-star Deron Rippey Jr. this weekend.
At least one North Carolina basketball recruiter was on hand Saturday to watch Deron Rippey Jr. during a 3SSB event in Council Bluffs, Iowa. However, the Tar Heels weren’t the only program tracking the dynamic point guard. Rippey has already attracted significant attention from a wide range of schools, drawing a large group of college coaches eager to see him compete against other top prospects in grassroots play this weekend.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 175 pounds, five-star prospect Deron Rippey Jr. is known for his elite speed and sharp instincts on the perimeter. He’s currently ranked No. 19 nationally, No. 5 among point guards, and holds the top spot in New Jersey for the 2026 class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
And Rippey certainly lived up to — if not exceeded — his lofty ranking on Saturday morning with several prominent coaches in attendance. In New Heights’ win over Dream Vision, the dynamic guard posted 21 points, four rebounds, three assists, and four steals, showcasing the well-rounded game that has helped him climb 12 spots in the national rankings since last year.
Along with North Carolina, which offered Rippey in late December, a wide range of programs showed their interest in the Blair Academy (N.J.) standout during the event.
According to HS Top Recruits, the audience featured coaches from three other traditional powerhouses — Kentucky, Kansas, and Duke — as well as in-state rival NC State.
Rippey has yet to release a list of finalists or set a timeline for a decision in what has become a nationally followed recruitment.
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