![\"NCAA](\"https:\/\/images.deadspin.com\/tr:w-900\/27875093.jpg\")
Dec 16, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer directs his team during the second half against the Lipscomb Bisons at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images <\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\nDuke received a commitment on Tuesday from five-star Deron Rippey Jr., considered the top point guard in the Class of 2026.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n The addition of Rippey boosted Duke’s class to No. 1 in the rankings from both ESPN and the 247Sports composite.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Rippey, hailing from the New York borough of Brooklyn, chose Duke over finalists Miami, North Carolina State, Tennessee and Texas.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/p>\n “It was a very tough decision,” Rippey said, per 247Sports. “I went back to what I value in a program long-term, both as a family and as a player. Duke offers a lot of benefits beyond athletics, but academics, resources, alumni support, high-level coaching and professional development.”<\/p>\n<\/section>\n The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder plays for Blair Academy in New Jersey. He is rated the No. 12 overall prospect and No. 1 point guard in his class by the 247Sports composite rankings.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n At Duke, he joins five-star Cameron Williams (No. 4 overall, No. 1 power forward), five-star Bryson Howard (No. 13 overall, No. 5 small forward) and four-star Maxime Meyer (No. 102 overall, No. 12 center) in next year’s class.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n That pushed Duke ahead of the likes of Michigan State, Kansas and Maryland in 247Sports’ class rankings; ESPN also said Duke would move from No. 3 to No. 1 in its class rankings.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n