Freshman Deron Rippey Jr. Shines in Duke Scrimmage
The 6-foot-3 guard provided a spark off the bench in Duke's 102-62 victory over Belmont.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Basketball
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Duke freshman guard Deron Rippey Jr. recorded 11 points, two assists, and a steal in 22 minutes of action during the team's scrimmage against Belmont. The Blue Devils cruised to a 102-62 win at home in Durham.
Why it matters
The performance highlights the early integration of high-profile recruits into the rotation as Duke prepares for the upcoming season. As a McDonald's All-American coming off a 30-2 record at Blair Academy, Rippey is expected to contribute to a squad likely to be ranked No. 1 or 2 in the AP Top 25.
Rippey, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound guard, played 22 minutes during the scrimmage. His efforts contributed to the 102-62 victory, following his recent game-winning 3-pointer during the Blue-White scrimmage.
The players
Deron Rippey Jr.
He is a 6-foot-3 freshman guard who previously led Blair Academy to a 30-2 record and was named a McDonald's All-American.
Duke University
The institution operates the men's basketball program based in Durham and is consistently ranked among the top teams in the AP Top 25 poll.
The details
Deron Rippey Jr. utilized his role as a substitute player to provide immediate offensive production for the team. His performance follows his success at Countdown to Craziness, where he helped secure a 29-24 victory for Team White.
Timeline
October 15, 2026: Duke defeated Belmont 102-62 in a home scrimmage.
October 20, 2026: Duke hosts Tennessee for an exhibition matchup in Cameron Indoor Stadium.
The Big Picture
The team's success in preseason play aligns with its high status in the AP Top 25 poll. The current roster depth reflects the ongoing integration of top-tier recruits into the established winning culture of the program.
Rippey's 22 minutes of play and high-impact stats suggest he will be a key rotation piece for fantasy managers to monitor. Fans should expect to see his role defined further during the upcoming exhibition game against Tennessee.
The takeaway
Rippey's ability to transition from a high school standout to a productive collegiate player is a positive sign for the team's depth. Consistent contributions from bench players will be essential for the squad as they navigate a challenging non-conference schedule.
What happens next
Duke will host an exhibition game against Tennessee on October 20, 2026, at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Further reading
For more on the team's development this season, visit the Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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