Last December, during his sophomore campaign, Blair Academy (N.J.) point guard Deron Rippey Jr. started receiving attention from the UNC basketball recruiters. A year has passed, yet the 6-foot-2, 175-pound five-star has not received an offer from Hubert Davis and his team. But there's a good reason to think it might not be long before he does. After all, he has clearly shown receptiveness to the Tar Heels' interest. As he said last year, "UNC and UConn are my two dream schools." On Wednesday, after observing Rippey in action over the summer, members of the UNC basketball staff traveled to New Jersey to check on this slick floor general, the namesake son of a mid-1990s East Carolina guard.

UNC Basketball's Pursuit of a Top Point Guard

Early Interest and Current Status

Deron Rippey Jr.'s journey with the UNC basketball recruiters began last December. In just one year, his talent and potential have drawn significant attention. Despite not having received an offer yet, his ranking among point guards and overall on the 247Sports 2026 Composite is remarkable. He currently ranks No. 21 overall, No. 5 among point guards, and No. 1 in New Jersey. This shows his exceptional skills and the high regard he holds in the basketball world. He has already received over two dozen offers, further highlighting his star status.

His performances on the court have been nothing short of impressive. Last weekend at the National Prep showcase, he was putting on a show that left everyone in awe. His ability to control the game and make crucial plays has caught the eyes of many.

The Current Offer Sheet

As of now, the active 2026 UNC basketball offer sheet includes five notable 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 these targets are still undecided in their recruitments, adding an element of excitement and uncertainty to the UNC basketball recruiting scene.

The Tar Heels are in a tight race to secure the services of these talented players. Each one brings a unique set of skills and qualities that could greatly enhance the team. The competition is fierce, and every move counts in the pursuit of these top recruits.

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