With the 2026 recruiting cycle officially underway, Kentucky wasted no time targeting a premier name: five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr.
Ranked as the No. 2 PG in the class and a top-tier national talent, Rippey was scheduled for an official visit to Lexington this weekend. Though weather conditions ultimately forced a cancellation, the buzz surrounding his potential fit with Mark Pope’s Wildcats is louder than ever.
The New Jersey native is a dynamic two-way threat—standing 6-foot-2, he blends elite speed, defensive intensity, and improved perimeter shooting. His standout performance at the EYBL session in Kansas City showcased his evolution, averaging 15 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and over 2 steals per game while knocking down 10-of-23 threes.
Rippey isn’t short on suitors—Duke, Kansas, Tennessee, Texas, and Louisville are all in hot pursuit. But Kentucky’s vision, culture, and Pope’s system built on tempo and toughness may give BBN the edge. And with potential departures of current guards like Jaland Lowe and Denzel Aberdeen, Rippey could be the future face of Kentucky’s backcourt.
While the visit is postponed, the Wildcats remain locked in. Mark Pope has proven he can close deals after visits—now he just needs the chance to show Rippey what Kentucky is all about. The birthday weekend surprise may be delayed, but the door is still wide open for a program-changing commitment.
