Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
Class of 2026 Deron Rippey Jr. talks St. Johns, Oklahoma State offer and other interests
By CHARLIE PARENT
Class of 2026 point guard Deron Rippey Jr. has picked up early offers and interests from Power 5 schools, including offers from St. John’s and Oklahoma State.
“I feel Oklahoma State and St. John’s is always a blessing to get an offer from a high major and these well-known schools,” Rippey said in a phone interview. “I definitely look forward to keeping these schools in connection with me as the high school years go down. These are definitely schools I’d love to attend and I look forward to keep stacking these high majors.”
The 6-foot Blair Academy (NJ.) and New Heights Lightning AAU product picked up an offer from Van Macon and St. John’s during Mike Anderson’s tenure, but the offer is expected to stand as Macon has been retained on the new Rick Pitino staff.
Van Macon and @StJohnsBBall have an offer out for class of 2026 guard Deron Rippey Jr., his dad @rippey_deron tells me
The offer is still expected to stand as Rick Pitino and crew come in
He also holds offers from local programs Fordham and Hofstra.
“We’re looking for a great college coach, athletic program, and a great academic institution,” his dad Deron Rippey Sr. said. “Also, a high institution that will allow Ron Ron to continue his success athletically which can help him get to a higher level to continue his basketball journey.”
In terms of what Rippey can bring to a college program, he mentioned his success off the court which will translate to his on-court game.
“I feel like I’m very academically driven,” he said. “I’m able to manage myself just as well off the court as I am on the court. I feel like everything always starts off the court: let’s say you have to make up the work off the court that’s the same as getting back on defense after turning the ball over. It’s all connected.”
Rippey will step into a starting role at Blair next season, taking over for class of 2023 three-star Jayden Lemond, who will be playing at William & Mary next season.
In this starting role, Rippey discussed wanting to improve his jump shot over his last three years of high school to become an all-around guard.
“I feel like I’m trying to develop a consistent jump shot,” he said. “Whether that comes to free-throws, mid-range, three pointers, just being able to shoot the ball a little bit more well. There’s not one high major DI college that doesn’t have a shooter for a point-guard. I feel like if you can’t shoot the ball you can’t survive at the high level, so I’m improving on my jump shot.”
Rippey has no visits planned at this time but will begin looking toward the future after playing two live periods with Blair in June.
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