Deron Rippey Jr. Sets Sights on Lexington: Elite 2026 Point Guard to Visit Kentucky After Breakout Summer
Four-star New York floor general locks in August visit with the Wildcats after dominant grassroots circuit performances
Lexington, KY — The Kentucky Wildcats may be building a new era under head coach Mark Pope, but the program’s national recruiting pull remains as strong as ever. One of the latest blue-chip prospects to take notice? Deron Rippey Jr., a rising star in the Class of 2026 who has locked in an official visit to Lexington from August 1st to August 3rd, according to his father.
Rippey, a 6-foot-2, 175-pound point guard from New Heights (NY) and a standout on the Ballers Bridge circuit, has emerged as one of the most electrifying backcourt prospects in the country. With Kentucky entering a new recruiting cycle, Rippey’s decision to take a closer look at Big Blue Nation signals mutual interest between one of the top guard prospects in America and one of college basketball’s most iconic programs.
A Summer to Remember
Rippey’s summer has been nothing short of spectacular. During a recent two-game stretch on the grassroots circuit, the New York native showcased the full arsenal that has college coaches buzzing.
On Wednesday night, Rippey exploded for 22 points and 11 assists in a statement win over Wildcat Select. In the final minutes, he delivered the game’s defining moment — intercepting a key late-game pass and pushing the tempo to create the go-ahead basket. Less than 24 hours later, he followed it up with 19 points, six assists, and five rebounds in a win over Dream Vision.
These back-to-back performances didn’t just pad his stat sheet — they solidified his status as a true floor general, capable of leading a team with poise, confidence, and vision. Rippey has the unique blend of scoring versatility, court awareness, and leadership that makes elite point guards so valuable in the college game.
Why Kentucky Makes Sense
For a program like Kentucky that thrives on explosive guard play and NBA-caliber development, Rippey fits the mold. His ability to create for others, control the game’s tempo, and score at all three levels is tailor-made for the SEC — and Kentucky’s offensive identity.
Head coach Mark Pope, entering his first recruiting cycle at the helm of the Wildcats, has made it clear that Kentucky’s future will be built around high-IQ, high-motor players who embrace big moments. Rippey checks every box. He’s tough, coachable, and already demonstrating the type of maturity that coaches covet in young guards.
This August visit will give Pope and his staff a chance to make a strong early impression as they build out their 2026 recruiting class. And with Kentucky’s elite facilities, national platform, and fan support, Lexington could be an ideal next step for Rippey as he eyes a potential one-and-done path.
Competition Heating Up
Kentucky isn’t the only school tracking Rippey closely. As his stock rises nationally, more blue bloods and high-major programs are expected to enter the mix. But the early visit to Lexington gives the Wildcats a unique advantage in establishing a relationship with Rippey and his family before the recruitment gets crowded.
With his AAU performances trending, and recruiting analysts beginning to project a major rankings bump, Deron Rippey Jr. could soon be a consensus top-25 player nationally — if not higher.
What’s Next?
All eyes now turn to August 1–3, when Rippey and his family arrive on campus. The visit could prove pivotal in Kentucky’s pursuit of an elite guard who continues to elevate his game each week.
As the Class of 2026 takes shape, don’t be surprised if Rippey becomes a centerpiece target for the Wildcats. In a class that’s beginning to generate buzz with its depth and upside, Rippey is positioning himself near the top — and Kentucky is moving early to make its case.
Stay tuned to TrendySoccerNews.com for continued coverage of Deron Rippey Jr.’s recruitment, highlights from his visit, and all the latest from Kentucky basketball’s recruiting trail.
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