Empire State Review Contributor 
LEXINGTON, KY — The University of Kentucky men’s basketball program, under the leadership of head coach Mark Pope, has officially extended a scholarship offer to Deron Rippey Jr., a highly touted five-star point guard from Blairstown, New Jersey. The offer, made on June 13, 2025, marks a significant step in Kentucky’s recruitment efforts for the class of 2026.
Rippey, a 6-foot-2, 175-pound standout from Blair Academy, is currently ranked No. 18 nationally and is considered one of the top five point guards in his class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Known for his exceptional two-way play, Rippey has garnered attention from numerous elite programs, including Tennessee, Miami, Auburn, Texas Tech, Alabama, Louisville, and North Carolina.
Kentucky’s interest in Rippey aligns with Coach Pope’s strategy of targeting versatile, high-impact players who can contribute on both ends of the court. Rippey’s athleticism, court vision, and defensive prowess make him a valuable asset for any collegiate program.
In addition to his impressive high school career, Rippey has showcased his talents on the AAU circuit, particularly during the 3SSB Circuit, where he delivered standout performances that caught the attention of scouts and coaches nationwide. His ability to read the game, coupled with his scoring and playmaking skills, has solidified his reputation as one of the most electrifying players in the 2026 class.
Rippey’s recruitment is still in its early stages, with several programs vying for his commitment. While he has expressed interest in schools like UConn, which he referred to as his “dream school,” the addition of Kentucky to his list of offers adds another layer of intrigue to his decision-making process.
As the recruitment battle intensifies, Kentucky’s coaching staff will likely continue to emphasize the program’s rich basketball tradition, player development track record, and the opportunity for immediate impact to sway Rippey’s decision in their favor.
