Jan 10, 2026
From Brooklyn to Duke
The Rippey Family Legacy Comes Full Circle
Brooklyn, NY - In 2004, Deron Rippey Sr. was spending long hours in Brooklyn, pouring into young athletes as the head coach of McKinney High School. At the Big Apple Basketball High School Challenge event, he was known not only for competing, but for teaching, mentoring, and leading with purpose.
More than two decades later, that same approach to the game—and to life—has come full circle.
His son, Deron Rippey Jr., one of the nation’s top high school point guards, announced his commitment to Duke University. He chose the Blue Devils over Miami, NC State, Tennessee, and Texas. The 6-foot-1 guard from Blair Academy in New Jersey is regarded as one of the top prospects in the Class of 2026.
For Rippey Sr., this journey has been deeply personal.
“Shoutout to Big Apple Basketball for giving our McKinney Kings a big stage to showcase our championship team in their event. I am forever grateful,” Rippey Sr. said.
He has long been connected to BAB, previously serving as a coach in the Big Apple Basketball Scholarship Games, a program designed to help unsigned high school seniors gain exposure and college opportunities.
Rippey Sr. also reflected on what the moment means for his family.
“Having our son attend Duke University is a big blessing and an honor,” he said. “We are all super excited.”
Rippey Sr. sees the milestone as more than a basketball achievement. It represents years of discipline, faith, sacrifice, and love for the game.
It is a reminder that impact often stretches far beyond the scoreboard—and sometimes, it becomes legacy.
Watch: Highlights of Deron Rippey Jr.
Brooklyn, NY - In 2004, Deron Rippey Sr. was spending long hours in Brooklyn, pouring into young athletes as the head coach of McKinney High School. At the Big Apple Basketball High School Challenge event, he was known not only for competing, but for teaching, mentoring, and leading with purpose.
More than two decades later, that same approach to the game—and to life—has come full circle.
His son, Deron Rippey Jr., one of the nation’s top high school point guards, announced his commitment to Duke University. He chose the Blue Devils over Miami, NC State, Tennessee, and Texas. The 6-foot-1 guard from Blair Academy in New Jersey is regarded as one of the top prospects in the Class of 2026.
For Rippey Sr., this journey has been deeply personal.
“Shoutout to Big Apple Basketball for giving our McKinney Kings a big stage to showcase our championship team in their event. I am forever grateful,” Rippey Sr. said.
He has long been connected to BAB, previously serving as a coach in the Big Apple Basketball Scholarship Games, a program designed to help unsigned high school seniors gain exposure and college opportunities.
Rippey Sr. also reflected on what the moment means for his family.
“Having our son attend Duke University is a big blessing and an honor,” he said. “We are all super excited.”
Rippey Sr. sees the milestone as more than a basketball achievement. It represents years of discipline, faith, sacrifice, and love for the game.
It is a reminder that impact often stretches far beyond the scoreboard—and sometimes, it becomes legacy.
Watch: Highlights of Deron Rippey Jr.
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