For more than two years, Syracuse basketball coaches have been in pursuit of 2026 five-star prospects Deron Rippey Jr. from New York City and Jordan Smith Jr. from the Washington, D.C., region.
One would be hard-pressed to find another college program out there that has recruited either elite player harder. The 6-foot-2 Rippey was offered a scholarship by the Orange in late August of 2023. The 'Cuse offered the 6-foot-3 Smith that same year, in early May.
Syracuse basketball 2026 5-star priority target Deron Rippey Jr., the nation’s No. 1 PG, on his official visit.