Steve Pikiell, Rutgers University’s head basketball coach, recently scouted five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr. at the renowned Metro Classic. This move reflects Pikiell’s determination to bolster the Scarlet Knights’ future lineup by recruiting top-tier talent.
Steve Pikiell’s High-Profile Visit: Rutgers Pursues 5-Star Guard Deron Rippey Jr.
The Metro Classic, held annually in Somerset, New Jersey, has established itself as one of the country’s best high school basketball exhibitions. The event featured premier programs, talented athletes, and college scouts looking to sign the next generation of basketball stars.
The 2025 Metro Classic, which took place Feb. 6-8, featured high-profile contests that drew the attention of both recruiters and the audience.
Rippey Jr. is a standout guard in the Class of 2026. The 6’2″, 175-pound point guard from Blair Academy (Blairstown, NJ) has made headlines for his spectacular playmaking ability, outstanding ball-handling skills, and scoring ability.
The talented ballhandler, who is the No. 19 overall prospect and the No. 4 point guard in his class by 247Sports, has showcased his talent on some of the biggest high school basketball platforms around.
Rippey Jr. has drawn attention from many high-profile schools, including North Carolina, which has just made an offer.
Pikiell’s in-person visit to scout Rippey Jr. at the Metro Classic reveals the Scarlet Knights’ objective. Bringing in a player of Rippey Jr.’s caliber would be a groundbreaking move for Rutgers.
Pikiell, noted for his knack for nurturing players and establishing a strong defensive culture, has assisted Rutgers in becoming a competitive Big Ten program.
He intends to propel the Scarlet Knights to new heights by recruiting top-tier talents such as Rippey Jr.
While Rutgers has expressed an immense interest, getting Rippey Jr. will not be easy. North Carolina, as well as other blueblood colleges, are likely to fight fiercely for his commitment.
However, Rutgers offered Rippey Jr. an exceptional chance to make an early impact and become a cornerstone of a thriving Big Ten program.
Rutgers fans will be monitoring closely to see how this plays out, as bringing in a player of Rippey Jr.’s level might be a historic moment for the program’s future.
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With Pikiell at the forefront and a solid commitment to recruiting talented athletes, the Scarlet Knights have proven themselves as legitimate contenders in the national college basketball arena.
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