Biography
Brooklyn to Blairstown to Durham.
Deron Rippey Jr. is a Brooklyn guard listed on Duke’s 2026–27 men’s basketball roster as a 6-foot-3, 185-pound freshman. He arrived after completing his high school career at Blair Academy in Blairstown, New Jersey.
At Blair, Rippey’s final two seasons included consecutive New Jersey Gatorade boys basketball player of the year honors. His senior year also brought selection to the 2026 McDonald’s All American Games, a place on the USA roster for the 2026 Nike Hoop Summit and recognition as a Naismith high school player of the year finalist.
Blair reported that the 2025–26 team finished 30–2, won the Mid-Atlantic Prep League championship and a third consecutive New Jersey Prep Open championship, and finished second at the National Prep Championship. Duke’s current profile reports the same team record and postseason results.