Kentucky has extended a scholarship offer to Blairstown (N.J.) Blair Academy 247Sports Composite 5-star 2026 point guard Deron Rippey Jr., according to 247Sports national basketball recruiting analyst Dushawn London.
The offer comes after Rippey was among the standouts at the prestigious NBA Top 100 Camp in Rock Hill, S.C., where he averaged 21.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game while shooting 51.1% from the floor in front of UK head coach Mark Pope.
"Thanks to his strength, athleticism and toughness, Deron Rippey Jr. is arguably the best two-way point guard in the class of 2026," wrote 247Sports National Basketball Director Eric Bossi. "He gets to the rim and scores on powerful drives and can finish with towering slams in the paint – or even on offensive rebounds – all while being able to set up teammates. Add in that he's one of the best on-ball defenders around, and you've got a guy who makes a lot happen. His jumper was falling from deep early as he rung up 28 points, three rebounds, and seven assists during his first game of the day."
Rippey (6-2, 175), who is ranked No. 19 overall and the No. 5 point guard in the 2026 class according to the industry average 247Sports Composite, also holds offers from Alabama, Auburn, Creighton, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Kansas, Louisville, LSU, Maryland, Miami, Michigan, North Carolina, Purdue, St. John's, Tennessee, Texas, and Villanova among many others.
Playing for New Heights on the adidas 3SSB travel circuit, Rippey is averaging 15.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.3 steals per game while shooting 42.2% from 3-point range this season.
"He's an explosive athlete who can both burst to the rim and then really take off to finish. He also has the ability to change the game as an on-ball defender whenever he so chooses," wrote 247Sports Director of Scouting Adam Finkelstein. "The biggest area of improvement has been with his shooting. Once inconsistent, at best, Rippey is now shooting a very clean ball when he has room and rhythm, which is a testament to his work ethic. The next area of improvement is to work to consistently make those around him better. There are definite flashes, and if it becomes a more consistent staple, Rippey's total game will go to new levels."
Rippey is the 12th overall prospect in the 2026 class to receive a scholarship offer from the Wildcats and fourth point guard, joining Brandon McCoy (No. 2 overall), Jason Crowe Jr. (No. 5), and Taylen Kinney (No. 14).