2026 Recruiting: Deron Rippey, Jr.

[Mr. French]

This kid has been good for a bit but seems to be blowing up this summer. Kimani watching today, along with Cuse, Providence and others.

 

[Mr. French]

Has called UConn a “dream school” and unofficialed to a few games last year. Top 30 player in the country.

 

[huskymedic]

Background thread: 2026 Recruiting: - Deron Rippey Jr. Update 1/3/24

 

[awy]

2026 already eh? the fact that they are even watching this early should mean high interest

 

[TheHorde]

2026 already eh? the fact that they are even watching this early should mean high interest

And it’s reportedly mutual interest

 

[aceboon]

Pretty sure his father and Young have a relationship going way back like the Castles did

 

[navery12]

2026 already eh? the fact that they are even watching this early should mean high interest

Is it even really that early? 2026 kids are only a little over a year away from committing

 

[awy]

Is it even really that early? 2026 kids are only a little over a year away from committing

tom moore said with the portal mechanism they are being more selective. less focused on sophomores and just only using time on the super impactful guys.

 

[TheHorde]

tom moore said with the portal mechanism they are being more selective. less focused on sophomores and just only using time on the super impactful guys.

That’s true but kids like this are less than 2 months away from entering their junior year. And he’s one of the top 2026s, so it checks out.

 

[awy]

That’s true but kids like this are less than 2 months away from entering their junior year. And he’s one of the top 2026s, so it checks out.

yea the 2026 recruiting window opened on 6/15. i'm just saying they haven't been very active on that front besides this kid. they've seen tyran stokes who played with AJ but idk if I've seen reports of them watching anyone else.

 

[TheHorde]

yea the 2026 recruiting window opened on 6/15. i'm just saying they haven't been very active on that front besides this kid. they've seen tyran stokes who played with AJ but idk if I've seen reports of them watching anyone else.

I imagine that Rippey’s comments about UConn being his dream school have also contributed to the staff reciprocating that love and being aggressive in return. It sure seems like it’s a good mutual fit too.

 

[Mr. French]

They’ve been watching Rippey and 2026s for 2 years, just not as intently the last year as 2025s.

Now that June 15 passed it’s a select few 2025s and 2026s to start that recruiting net.

I expect the staff to continue their pursuit, but the PG commits in 2025 could change that trajectory (if an Acuff or Adams commits, for example).

 

[dennismenace]

Winning certainly changes things. Seems like every day we are getting more exciting news and interest.

 

[Mister P]

Rippey’s composite ranking was just elevated to a 5*.

UConn was watching his 16u game yesterday in GA.

Charlie V. also played at Blair Academy.

 

[Mr. French]

Rippey’s composite ranking was just elevated to a 5*.

UConn was watching his 16u game yesterday in GA.

Charlie V. also played at Blair Academy.

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This kid is a monster PG in that '26 class. It feels like we're in early and there's mutual interest with him.

 

[Mooch82]

Completely fine with not taking a PG in 2025 with Nowell and Mahaney likely back…especially if we feel good about our chances with Rippey in ‘26.

 

[auror]

His team didn't qualify for 16u Peach Jam, so we were due to watch him, glad we did.

 

[aceboon]

 

[CardiacAndre7]

He’s ‘26, no?

 

[Chuck]

I'm in. Great name for a hoops player. We'd have a Rip and a Rippey.

 

[superjohn]

He’s ‘26, no?

Yes, it says it right in the tweet.

 

[Mr. French]

Yes, it says it right in the tweet.

He’s asking because the tweet actually says ‘25.

It was a typo, yes he’s ‘26.

 

[CardiacAndre7]

Yes, it says it right in the tweet.

Zags put 2025. Just confirming.

 

[aceboon]

He’s ‘26, no?

Yes, Zags put 25 in error

 

[CL82]

Has called UConn a “dream school” and unofficialed to a few games last year. Top 30 player in the country.

Good to hear, but I have to think that Providence has as good a chance as anyone.