Syracuse Eyes NYC 5-Star Deron Rippey in Hot 2026 Recruiting Push

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse University men's basketball recruiters are zeroing in on **Deron Rippey Jr.**, a five-star point guard from New York City, as part of an ambitious push for the 2026 class. Rippey, who made the 50-member preseason watch list for the 2025-26 Naismith Trophy boys high school player of the year, represents a homegrown talent the Orange desperately want to land.[1] ESPN's recruiting board shows Syracuse with zero commits so far in the class, but the program has extended offers to top talents including Rippey and Jordan Smith Jr., the No. 2 overall prospect per 247Sports.[2][4] Rippey's local roots add high stakes for New York hoops fans, with the guard drawing interest from powerhouses nationwide as he competes for national honors during the 2025-26 high school season.[1] Syracuse also eyes Smith, a five-star shooting guard from Paul VI Catholic in Virginia, who lists the Orange among his top six schools despite Duke emerging as the frontrunner.[1] Other targets include unranked prospect Calvin Russell from Miami Northwestern, highlighting coach Adrian Autry's strategy to mix blue-chippers with under-the-radar gems.[4] The 2026 cycle pits Syracuse against elite programs for the nation's best, with 247Sports ranking Tyran Stokes of Rainier Beach as the No. 1 overall recruit.[3] On3 lists Syracuse's full offers slate, signaling broad outreach as the Orange aim to rebound from recent classes and restore Carrier Dome glory.[5] Central New York basketball faithful, from Syracuse suburbs to Buffalo, watch closely as recruiting heats up into 2026.