The UNC basketball program is set to visit one of the top Class of 2026 talents
By Luke Sugar
The UNC basketball program currently has one of the deepest guard groups in the nation. However, with RJ Davis aging out, Ian Jackson and Drake Powell looking like possible first-round picks, and the uncertainty of Elliot Cadeau or Seth Trimble’s NBA future, it’s never too soon to start pursuing the next generation of UNC guards.
Hubert Davis and his staff have already landed four-star combo guards Isaiah Denis and Derek Dixon in the Class of 2025. With some major possible UNC guard departures, these two will be important pieces for the Tar Heels next season.
Coach Davis has also started laying the groundwork for some guards in the Class of 2026. It was announced today that the North Carolina staff will visit 2026 five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr. tomorrow. Jake Weingarten — founder of Stockrisers.com — reported on the news.
North Carolina and Syracuse will be in tomorrow for five-star junior Deron Rippey Jr., his father told @Stockrisers. Top-10 caliber prospect drawing tons of attention recently. As advertised.
— Jake (@jakeweingarten) December 10, 2024
Rippey Jr. is the No. 21 overall player in the Class of 2026, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He’s also the No. 5 point guard in the class and the No. 1 player from the state of New Jersey. He attends Blair Academy in Blairstown, NJ.
Rippey Jr. has a mature and balanced offensive game. He has explosive bounce and loves to attack the rim, but he can also get hot in a hurry and knock it down from deep. He has a smooth pull-up jumper, and he’s an unselfish player who looks to get his teammates involved.
This past summer, Patrick O’Brien — Director of Operations at Phenom Hoops — had high praise for Rippey Jr. at the US Open Club Championships.
“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.”
Rippey Jr.’s recruitment is still in the very early stages, but hopefully coach Davis and the Tar Heels can keep a close relationship with the 2026 point guard.
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