North Carolina is jumping on the next class of college athletes offering the Class of 2026 now. The Class of 2025 was not picture-perfect for Hubert Davis after signing less than a handful of recruits.
However, it is never too early to look ahead. Davis and company have officially offered Class of 2025, five-star guard, Deron Rippey Jr.
Rippey Jr. is a five-star point guard hailing from Blair Academy in New Jersey. The 6-foot-2 point guard is the No. 21 ranked player and No. 5 ranked point guard in the 247Sports composite score.
2026 5⭐️ Deron Rippey Jr. 6’2 pg at Blair Academy NJ has received a offer from North Carolina. @CoachMantegna @CoachDeJesus33 @rippey_deron #unc pic.twitter.com/r8i4QXPR4e
— RealScoutBasketball (@RealScoutBBall) December 31, 2024
Patrick O’Brien had this to say after watching Rippey Jr. play at the US Open Club Championships.
Rippey Jr. is regarded as one of the top point guards in the country and he had college coaches watching all week including big names like UConn and company. Rippey Jr. has an incredible feel for the game in how to run the show and lead a team. He has an incredible feel with the ball in his hands, showing shiftiness and creativity, and also being a strong finisher as a guard. Rippey not only can be a three-level scorer but his poise and playmaking as a point guard is special. I loved his impact out in transition, his ability to finish strong, and also being such a creator for others.
Rippey Jr would be an excellent addition to the Tar Heels after a subpar showing in the Class of 2025. Hubert Davis and North Carolina are already on the move towards the next incoming class.
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