Title: “UNC Is Home”: 5-Star PG Daron Rippey Jr. Declares Tar Heels His Dream School as 2026 Recruitment Race Heats Up
Chapel Hill, NC – July 22, 2025
The heartbeat of North Carolina basketball’s future may have just taken shape in the form of Daron Rippey Jr., the explosive, 5-star point guard out of Montverde Academy (FL), who told reporters this week that UNC is his “dream school” — igniting speculation that the Tar Heels are now the frontrunners in one of the most competitive recruiting battles of the 2026 class.
A lightning-quick 6’2” floor general with a 6’6” wingspan and a killer crossover, Rippey Jr. is widely regarded as the No. 1 point guard and a top-5 overall prospect in the class. His announcement, made following a dominant performance at the Nike Peach Jam, has sent waves through the college basketball world.
> “There’s just something about Carolina blue,” Rippey Jr. said in a postgame interview. “Growing up, I watched Ty Lawson, Coby White, Raymond Felton… those dudes made the position iconic. I see myself writing my chapter there.”
The Prospect: Speed, Swagger, and Serious Skill
Rippey Jr. has been called a blend of Ja Morant’s explosiveness and Jalen Brunson’s poise. This past high school season, he averaged:
21.4 points
7.8 assists
3.5 steals
49% from the field
41% from three
He led Montverde to a national title run and dominated both EYBL circuits and Team USA camps. His highlight reels—filled with no-look passes, ankle-breaking handles, and clutch floaters—have drawn millions of views, with UNC fans especially vocal in the comments.
The UNC Connection
The Tar Heels coaching staff, led by Hubert Davis, has made Rippey Jr. a top priority. Davis and lead recruiter Sean May have been in constant contact since early 2025, even attending multiple AAU games wearing UNC gear courtside.
According to insiders, Rippey’s unofficial visit to Chapel Hill in May “sealed something emotionally.” He toured the Dean Smith Center, walked the campus, and met with UNC legends including Tyler Hansbrough and Kendall Marshall.
> “It felt like family,” Rippey told 247Sports. “It didn’t feel like recruiting—it felt like coming home.”
Who’s Still in the Race?
While UNC holds the edge, blue bloods are still circling. Kentucky, Kansas, UConn, and Arkansas have all offered significant NIL-backed scholarship packages. Sources say Duke has inquired but hasn’t made a formal push.
Still, multiple recruiting analysts now have Rippey Jr. “trending Carolina.”
Rivals.com’s Mike Farrell noted:
> “It’s rare to hear a player of his caliber call a program his ‘dream school’ this early. UNC is clearly in the driver’s seat.”
What Comes Next?
Rippey plans to narrow his list to five schools by October 2025, with a formal commitment expected in early spring 2026. He will return to UNC for an official visit in September during a football weekend, where he’s expected to meet with incoming freshman Hugo González and current Tar Heel star Elliot Cadeau.
If Rippey commits, he’d be the first 5-star pledge in UNC’s 2026 class, likely triggering a domino effect for other elite talent.
Final Word: A Carolina Chapter Waiting to Be Written
For Tar Heel Nation, Daron Rippey Jr. is more than a prospect — he’s a potential program-changing point guard. A throwback to Carolina’s long tradition of elite floor generals with a new-school edge.
And if Rippey’s words hold true, Chapel Hill may soon welcome its next backcourt legend.
> “If you wear that jersey,” he said with a grin, “you’re not just playing basketball. You’re writing history.”
Fictional Note: This is a work of factual fiction inspired by real recruiting dynamics. Daron Rippey Jr. is a real player; however, this scenario and quotes are fictionalized for storytelling purposes.
