photo: Deron Rippey Jr., by @shotbydenny
If you didn’t know, Fort Greene has another national basketball name in its midst.
Deron Rippey Jr., a Brooklyn-native standout and the most highly recruited point guard in the country, will announce his college commitment on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. The ceremony will take place at the Major R. Owens Center in Brooklyn, with doors opening at 3:00 p.m.
A Brooklyn Talent on a National Stage
Rippey Jr. lives in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, but his game has taken him across state lines to Blair Academy in New Jersey, an elite prep school known nationally for academics and a high-level basketball program that consistently produces Division I talent.
A 6’1 point guard in the Class of 2026, Rippey Jr. has emerged as one of the premier guards in his class, drawing attention from the biggest programs in the country and building a reputation as a poised floor general who can score, create, and lead.
Final Five Includes Duke, Texas, Miami, Tennessee, NC State
Rippey Jr.’s recruitment has been one of the most competitive in the nation. He’s received more than 30 Division I scholarship offers overall, including opportunities from Kentucky, North Carolina, St. John’s, Louisville, Syracuse, Alabama, and many others.
According to his father, Rippey Jr. has narrowed his decision to five schools:
- Duke
- NC State
- Miami
- Texas
- Tennessee
His commitment will be a major moment not only for the programs involved, but for Brooklyn basketball fans tracking the rise of another hometown star on a national path.
According to the press release on NYC Newswire, his father, Deron Rippey Sr., stated, ““We’re grateful for every opportunity and every coach who believed in Deron. He’s worked for this moment, and we’ve taken our time to make sure the final decision reflects what’s best for his future — on the court, in the classroom, and as a young man chasing his goals and dreams.”
Commitment Ceremony Details
Rippey Jr.’s announcement is scheduled as follows:
Commitment Announcement: Tuesday, 12/30/25
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Doors Open: 3:00 p.m.
Location: Major R. Owens Center
Address: 1561 Bedford Ave.
Setting: New Heights Gym
Fort Greene Momentum: On The Court and in the Community
Rippey Jr.’s decision comes as Fort Greene is also buzzing about another major headline tied to basketball and community roots. In recent weeks, NBA veteran Taj Gibson and Alloy Development announced plans for a significant development at the former site of the Navy Yard Boys & Girls Club, a project connected to the neighborhood where Gibson grew up and long symbolized youth opportunity.
Together, the timing feels symbolic: while one Fort Greene product is helping shape what the neighborhood becomes next, another Brooklyn resident is preparing to take the next step toward the sport’s biggest stages.
For Fort Greene, and for Brooklyn, Deron Rippey Jr.’s upcoming announcement is more than a recruiting update. It’s the latest proof that the borough continues to produce national-level talent, with the spotlight now turning to where one of the country’s top young point guards will play his college basketball.
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