The future of Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball continues to glow brighter by the day.
On Thursday afternoon, the prestigious Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award unveiled its 10 semifinalists for the 2026 Boys’ High School Player of the Year Trophy — and two future Blue Devils remain firmly in the race. Five-star power forward Cameron Williams and five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr., both prized members of Duke’s 2026 recruiting class, survived the latest cut and now stand just one step closer to claiming the sport’s most coveted individual honor at the prep level.
Even more impressive? No other college program boasts more than one semifinalist. Duke stands alone.
Williams, a dominant force at St. Mary’s Catholic High School, has long been regarded as one of the most complete players in the country. Ranked No. 2 overall and the No. 1 power forward in the 247Sports 2026 Composite, the 6-foot-9 standout blends physicality, finesse, and versatility in ways that make him nearly impossible to contain. He can overpower defenders in the paint, stretch the floor with confidence, and protect the rim with elite timing.
His rise to national prominence has been steady and emphatic. Night after night, Williams has delivered dominant performances against top-tier competition, showcasing an advanced skill set that mirrors the modern college and NBA game. Coaches rave about his motor. Scouts highlight his basketball IQ. Teammates feed off his presence.
Meanwhile, Rippey Jr. has dazzled from the backcourt at Blair Academy. Ranked No. 10 overall and the No. 1 point guard in the 2026 class, Rippey is the engine that makes everything go. His court vision, change-of-pace dribble, and defensive intensity set him apart from his peers. He controls tempo like a seasoned veteran and thrives in pressure moments.
Rippey’s leadership has been especially evident this season. Whether breaking down defenders off the bounce, knocking down clutch perimeter shots, or setting up teammates with precision passes, he consistently impacts winning in multiple ways. His ability to dictate the flow of the game is rare at the high school level — and it’s a major reason Duke fans are already buzzing about his arrival in Durham.
The other semifinalists represent elite talent from across the country. Among them are forward Christian Collins of St. John Bosco High School, guard Jason Crowe Jr. from Inglewood High School, and forward Caleb Gaskins of Christopher Columbus High School. Also in the mix are wing Caleb Holt from Prolific Prep, guard Taylen Kinney of Overtime Elite, forward Colben Landrew from Wheeler High School, guard Jordan Smith Jr. of Paul VI Catholic High School, and forward Tyran Stokes from Rainier Beach High School.
Each player has delivered a spectacular senior campaign. Yet Duke’s duo stands out not only because of individual excellence, but because of what their success signals about the program’s momentum under head coach Jon Scheyer.
Scheyer and his staff have assembled the nation’s top-ranked 2026 recruiting class, and Williams and Rippey account for half of that elite haul. Their semifinalist status only reinforces what recruiting analysts have said for months: Duke’s future is stacked with high-level, NBA-caliber talent.
The class doesn’t stop there.
Five-star small forward Bryson Howard of Heritage High School ranks No. 12 overall nationally and brings length, shot-making ability, and defensive versatility to the wing. Meanwhile, four-star center Maxime Meyer from IMG Academy provides size, interior skill, and long-term developmental upside.
Together, the quartet forms a balanced, dynamic foundation. There’s elite guard play. There’s frontcourt dominance. There’s shooting, athleticism, and defensive toughness. Most importantly, there’s a competitive edge that aligns perfectly with Duke’s championship culture.
For Williams and Rippey, advancing to the Naismith semifinals is both an honor and a challenge. The award has historically recognized players who go on to make major impacts at the collegiate and professional levels. Being named among the final 10 cements their place among the nation’s elite and adds another milestone to already decorated prep careers.
But competitors of their caliber aren’t satisfied with semifinal recognition.
They’re chasing the trophy.
As the season progresses and the list narrows, all eyes will remain on Duke’s future stars. If their high school dominance is any indication, Cameron Williams and Deron Rippey Jr. won’t just arrive in Durham as talented freshmen — they’ll arrive battle-tested, decorated, and ready to lead.
The message is clear: Duke isn’t rebuilding. Duke is reloading.
And the next era of Blue Devil basketball is already proving it belongs on the national stage.
