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UNC basketball misses out on 5-star target but it’s not a surprise

One of the top guards in the Class of 2026 revealed his list of five finalists, one that doesn't include Hubert Davis and the UNC basketball program.

No, you shouldn't be surprised at all by this.

NEWS: 5u2b50ufe0f Deron Rippey Jr. is down to five schools, he tells @Rivals:

Tennessee, NC State, Duke, Miami, & Texas

The 6-2 point guard is the No. 5 overall recruit in the 2026 class, per Rivals. https://t.co/wG6zkVFT1W pic.twitter.com/Weot2IVDgh— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) November 17, 2025

Deron Rippey Jr., the No.