L-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr., one of the most coveted prospects in the nation, has officially rescheduled his visit to Lexington. According to his father, Rippey will now make the trip on October 6–8, a huge opportunity for Mark Pope and his staff to continue building their case for why Rippey should wear Kentucky blue.
Why Rippey Matters for Kentucky
At 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, Rippey has already established himself as one of the most dynamic guards in the high school ranks. He is ranked No. 13 overall in the class of 2026 and the second-best point guard nationally by Rivals. Scouts rave about his elite first step, tight handle, and ability to get wherever he wants on the floor. Defenders struggle to stay in front of him, and he thrives as a creator both for himself and his teammates.
Simply put, Rippey is the type of guard who changes the trajectory of a program.
For Kentucky, he has quickly become a top priority — especially after in-state star Taylen Kinney committed to Kansas earlier this month. Pope and his staff wasted no time shifting their full attention to Rippey, making it clear they want him to be the centerpiece of their 2026 backcourt.
The Recruiting Picture
Rippey has kept his recruitment highly competitive. Earlier this month, he trimmed his list down to 10 schools, with Kentucky making the cut. Notably, both Kansas and Indiana are no longer in the running, which only strengthens the Wildcats’ case.
Other programs remain in the mix, but Kentucky’s timing with this upcoming visit is critical. Hosting Rippey in early October allows Pope and his staff to show off their system, facilities, and the culture they are building around Kentucky basketball’s new era.
Kentucky’s Guard Legacy
One of the biggest selling points for Rippey is Kentucky’s tradition of developing NBA-ready guards. Over the last decade-plus, Lexington has produced names like John Wall, De’Aaron Fox, Tyrese Maxey, Jamal Murray, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Each entered Kentucky as a top recruit and left as a first-round pick — with some already becoming NBA stars.
For Rippey, that lineage can’t be ignored. If he chooses Kentucky, he wouldn’t just be committing to a college program — he’d be stepping into a proven pipeline for guard greatness.
What’s Next
As the visit approaches, Kentucky fans will be eager to see how Rippey connects with Pope and the Wildcats’ current roster. Visits often serve as turning points in high-stakes recruitments, and this one could decide whether Rippey ultimately wears Kentucky blue.
With his speed, creativity, and playmaking ability, Rippey has the tools to be Kentucky’s next great guard — and possibly the player who defines the 2026 class for Mark Pope.
One thing is certain: Big Blue Nation will be watching every update closely as October 6 draws near.
