Duke's Rippey Advances in Naismith Award Race

0:00On March 6, Duke commit Duran Rippy Jr. has advanced to the final five for the Naesmith Boys High School Player of the Year award in the class of 2026. The six-foot two-point guard from Blair Academy in New Jersey ranks as the top prospect at his position and number 10 overall. Earlier this week, both he and fellow Duke pledged Cameron Williams, made the semi-finalist cut, but only Rippy moved on. Williams, a seven-foot power forward from St. Mary's in Arizona and the number two recruit nationally, surprisingly missed the finalist list. Rippy now competes against other top talents like Jason Crow Jr. headed to Missouri and undecided stars Caleb Holt, Tyron Stokes, and Jordan. Smith Jr. who's bound for Arkansas. Duke fans are buzzing about Rippy's run, especially with the Blue Devils holding the number one recruiting class for 2026. That group also includes four-star center Maxi Meyer from IMG Academy and five stars Small Forward, Bryson Howard from Heritage High in Texas.

1:03Rippy plans to attend Duke's big rivalry game against North Carolina on Saturday at 6.30 p.m. Eastern time inside Cameron indoor stadium. His dad shared excitement about the visit and the family's love for the program. Duke has a strong history with this award, claiming five winners since it started in 1987, including recent standouts under coach John Shire. This keeps the Blue Devils on top in recruiting talks as the season heats up. This keeps the Blue Devils on top in recruiting talks as the season heats up. This keeps the Blue Devils on top in recruiting talks as the season heats up. This keeps the Blue Devils on top in recruiting talks as the season heats up. This keeps the Blue Devils on top in recruiting talks as the season heats up. This keeps the Blue Devils on top in recruiting talks as the season heats up. This keeps the Blue Devils on top in recruiting talks as the season heats up. This keeps the Blue Devils on top in recruiting talks as the season heats up. This keeps the Blue Devils on top in recruiting talks as the season heats up.