The future of Duke basketball might just have been on full display in California — and his name is Deron Rippey Jr.
The five-star point guard from Blair Academy (NJ), one of the Blue Devils’ top targets in the class of 2026, is no stranger to attention. But this past weekend, Rippey made headlines in a way that has the basketball world buzzing. Competing at Steph Curry’s prestigious basketball camp, Rippey didn’t just participate — he dominated. By the time the camp wrapped up, he was standing center stage as MVP, earning the award from none other than the greatest shooter in NBA history himself, Stephen Curry.
For Duke fans, this is the kind of headline that raises eyebrows and fuels dreams of what could be in Durham.
Outshining the Best of the Best
Rippey wasn’t the only big name at Curry’s camp. Some of the nation’s most hyped prospects laced up to prove themselves, including 2026 five-star Baba Oladotun, top-25 standout Cole Cloer, and even 2027 phenom Nasir Anderson. But when all was said and done, it was Rippey who stood above them all, earning MVP honors with his explosive play, elite competitiveness, and commanding presence as a floor general.
This wasn’t just a “good performance” — this was the type of breakout moment that turns an already highly ranked recruit into a must-have prospect for the country’s top programs. And Duke? They’ve been circling Rippey for months, making him one of their highest-priority targets for the future.
Why Rippey Fits the Duke Mold
When Jon Scheyer looks at Rippey, he sees more than just an athletic lead guard. He sees the kind of player who fits the DNA of Duke basketball — relentless, fearless, and capable of running the show on both ends of the floor.
247Sports’ Adam Finkelstein recently broke down Rippey’s skillset:
Explosive defender: Pressures the ball full court, stays locked in over screens, and thrives at the point of attack.
Dynamic on offense: Quick first step, ability to break down defenses, and the vision to create for others.
Mental toughness: Plays with an edge, a chip on his shoulder, and the confidence to take on the game’s brightest stars.
Yes, at 6-foot-1, Rippey isn’t the tallest guard in his class, and some evaluators point out that his lack of size could be a concern down the road. But right now? None of that matters. His impact is too loud, his skillset too complete, and his performances too commanding to ignore.
Simply put: he’s a point guard who can change the energy of a game the second he steps on the floor.
Eyes on Durham
The timing of Rippey’s MVP moment couldn’t be sweeter for Duke. He’s already scheduled his official visit to Durham from October 21–23, and the Blue Devils are expected to roll out the red carpet.
But make no mistake — Duke isn’t the only program chasing him. Rippey also has visits lined up with Miami, North Carolina, Alabama, Texas, Syracuse, Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Kansas, and NC State. The competition is fierce, but Duke has the advantage of tradition, development, and a proven history of producing NBA-ready guards.
Jon Scheyer and his staff know they need to land a big piece in the class of 2026, a class widely viewed as weaker overall compared to recent years. Rippey could be that piece — the kind of program-changer who brings energy and leadership the moment he steps foot on campus.
What This Means for Duke Fans
Duke hasn’t secured a commitment yet in the class of 2026, but that hasn’t slowed the buzz around Rippey. Winning MVP at Steph Curry’s camp is more than just a trophy — it’s a statement. It says Rippey is ready to take his game to the national stage, and whichever program lands him will be getting a competitor who thrives under pressure.
For Duke fans, the hope is simple: that October visit to Durham leaves a lasting impression. Because if Rippey ends up in Blue and White, he could be the next in a long line of legendary Duke floor generals — the kind of player who doesn’t just play at Duke, but defines Duke basketball for a new era.
The MVP title may just be the beginning, but one thing is certain: Deron Rippey Jr. is a name you’ll be hearing for years to come — and Duke has every reason to believe he could be their next superstar.
