All Tar Heels

Deron Rippey Jr. Gets 'Dream School' Visit From UNC Basketball Staff

The 2026 UNC basketball offer sheet might be on the verge of expanding.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball
UNC basketball / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
In this story:

Blair Academy (N.J.) point guard Deron Rippey Jr. began hearing from the UNC basketball recruiters last December, early in his sophomore campaign. One year later, the 6-foot-2, 175-pound five-star still hasn't received an offer from Hubert Davis and his crew. However, there's now reason to believe it may be only a matter of time until he does.

ALSO READ: UNC Target Nate Ament Set to Watch Tar Heels in Durham

After all, there's no doubt he's been receptive to the Tar Heels' attention.

"UNC and UConn are my two dream schools," Rippey said last year.

And on Wednesday, after watching Rippey in action a few times over the summer, members of the UNC basketball staff were in New Jersey to check in on the slick floor general, the namesake son of a mid-1990s East Carolina guard.

Deron Rippey Jr. ranks No. 21 overall, No. 5 among point guards, and No. 1 in New Jersey on the 247Sports 2026 Composite. He's already reported over two dozen offers.

For now, the active 2026 UNC basketball offer sheet consists of five names: Paul VI Catholic High School (Va.) five-star guard Jordan Smith Jr., Grayson High School (Ga.) five-star forward Caleb Holt, Caldwell Academy (N.C.) four-star forward Cole Cloer, Notre Dame High School (Calif.) five-star forward Tyran Stokes, and Compass Prep (Ariz.) five-star forward Miikka Muurinen.

All five targets remain undecided in their recruitments.

ALSO READ: Tar Heels Come Up Empty in High-Profile Recruiting Battle

Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC basketball recruiting news.

Published
Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

Home/Basketball