Zac Oakes is a career journalist in Kentucky covering University of Kentucky athletics, particularly football and men’s basketball.
Update: Due to inclement weather, Deron Rippey Jr. has postponed his official visit with the Kentucky Wildcats, according to his father, Deron Rippey Sr.
However, Rippey Sr. added that his son’s visit will come “soon.”
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A Kentucky Visit Postponed, But Deron Rippey Jr. is Still All-In on the Wildcats
LEXINGTON, KY — A potential storm in the Bluegrass State was averted, but a real one on the East Coast has caused a minor detour in the Kentucky Wildcats’ recruiting efforts. Top-tier 2026 point guard Deron Rippey Jr. has postponed his much-anticipated official visit to Kentucky, not due to any change of heart, but because of inclement weather in his home region of New York City.
The news, initially reported by Zac Oakes of Kentucky Sports Radio, confirmed that Rippey’s father, Deron Rippey Sr., announced the decision. The postponement, though a slight setback for the Wildcats’ coaching staff and fans eager to welcome the standout prospect, appears to be a logistical necessity rather than a sign of wavering interest. Rippey Sr.’s assurance that the visit would be rescheduled “soon” suggests the Wildcats remain firmly in the mix for one of the nation’s most coveted guards.
This visit was slated to be the first of many for Rippey Jr., who recently released a top-12 list of schools. The fact that Kentucky was his initial choice for an official visit speaks volumes about the program’s standing in his recruitment. The Wildcats, under the leadership of coach Mark Pope, have been making a strong push for Rippey, building a relationship since offering him a scholarship in June.
While the exact date for the rescheduled visit is yet to be determined, it’s clear the Kentucky staff will be working diligently to get Rippey to campus as soon as possible. With a host of other visits on his schedule, including trips to Miami, North Carolina, and Indiana, making a strong impression is paramount. The delay, while frustrating, gives the Wildcats a bit more time to plan a visit that could solidify their position as a top contender for the talented guard’s commitment.
Top 2026 point guard prospect Deron Rippey Jr. has postponed his official visit to the University of Kentucky. The postponement, confirmed by his father, Deron Rippey Sr., is due to bad weather. Rippey Sr. stated that the visit will be rescheduled for “soon.” This was supposed to be the first of many visits for Rippey, who has a top-12 list of schools and recently received a scholarship offer from Kentucky’s new head coach, Mark Pope. While the delay is a minor inconvenience, it doesn’t seem to indicate any change in Rippey’s interest in the Wildcats
A storm brewing on the East Coast has caused a ripple effect in the college basketball recruiting world, impacting the highly anticipated official visit of top 2026 point guard prospect, Deron Rippey Jr., to the University of Kentucky. The visit, which was scheduled for this week, has been postponed due to inclement weather, according to Rippey’s father, Deron Rippey Sr. While the news is a minor setback for both the Kentucky Wildcats’ coaching staff and their fervent fan base, who were eager to roll out the red carpet for the talented young player, it’s not a sign of wavering interest. In fact, Rippey Sr. was quick to reassure everyone that the visit would be rescheduled “soon,” indicating that the Wildcats remain a top contender for the coveted guard’s commitment.
Rippey Jr., a dynamic playmaker from Blair Academy in New Jersey, has become a hot commodity on the recruiting trail. His blend of elite ball-handling skills, court vision, and scoring ability has made him one of the most sought-after prospects in his class. He recently narrowed his list of potential schools to 12, and the fact that he chose Kentucky as his first official visit destination speaks volumes about the program’s standing in his recruitment. The Wildcats, under the new leadership of head coach Mark Pope, have been actively pursuing Rippey since offering him a scholarship in June. Pope’s staff has made it a priority to build a strong relationship with the Rippey family, and this visit was intended to be a crucial step in solidifying that bond and showcasing the program’s vision for the future.
The delay, while a bit frustrating, doesn’t necessarily hinder Kentucky’s chances. It simply means the Wildcats will have to wait a little longer to host Rippey and his family. In the grand scheme of things, a short postponement due to weather is a minor blip on the radar. It’s a logistical issue, not a reflection of any change in the player’s interest or the coaching staff’s desire to have him in Lexington. In some ways, it could even be a positive. The extra time allows Pope and his team to meticulously plan an even more impactful and memorable visit, ensuring that when Rippey finally does arrive on campus, every detail is perfect. They can use this period to re-engage with the family, reaffirm their commitment to him, and continue to build on the relationship they’ve already established.
Rippey’s recruitment is a marathon, not a sprint. With a host of other visits on his schedule, including trips to major programs like Miami, North Carolina, and Indiana, the competition is fierce. Each school will be pulling out all the stops to make a lasting impression. This is why getting him on campus for an official visit is so important for the Wildcats. It’s an opportunity to immerse him in the culture, introduce him to the players and the campus community, and give him a firsthand look at what it’s like to be a part of the Kentucky basketball family. The delay means they’ll have to wait a bit longer to make that impression, but it doesn’t change the ultimate goal.
The fan base’s reaction to the news has been a mix of understanding and eager anticipation. Social media was abuzz with comments wishing Rippey safe travels and expressing hope for a swift reschedule. This kind of grassroots support is a significant part of the “Kentucky effect,” and it’s a factor that many recruits consider. The passion and dedication of the Wildcat fan base are second to none, and it’s an experience that can be incredibly compelling for a young player weighing his options. When Rippey finally makes his way to Lexington, he will be greeted with open arms and a level of enthusiasm that few other programs can match.
Ultimately, the postponement of Deron Rippey Jr.’s visit is a temporary setback, a brief pause in a high-stakes recruiting battle. It doesn’t alter the narrative or diminish the Wildcats’ chances. The focus now shifts to the “soon” part of the announcement. The college basketball world will be watching closely for the new date, and when that day arrives, you can be sure that the Kentucky coaching staff, the fans, and the entire program will be ready to give Deron Rippey Jr. an experience he won’t soon forget. The Wildcats are still firmly in the hunt for one of the top players in the class of 2026, and a little bad weather won’t change that.
