LEXINGTON, KY — AUGUST 2, 2025
“HE’S ONE OF US”: Coach Mark Pope Throws Surprise Virtual Birthday Bash for Deron Rippey Jr., Strengthening Kentucky’s Pursuit of Elite Point Guard
It’s not every day a college basketball program throws a virtual birthday party for a recruit — but Kentucky head coach Mark Pope isn’t your typical recruiter, and Deron Rippey Jr. isn’t your typical high school point guard.
Though the five-star floor general from New Jersey couldn’t travel to Lexington to celebrate his 18th birthday in person this weekend, the Wildcats made sure he felt the Big Blue love—in true Kentucky fashion.
🎉 A Blue-Blood Birthday Like No Other
Sources close to the Kentucky program confirmed that on Saturday evening, Coach Pope and his staff organized a virtual party for Rippey Jr., complete with:
A custom “Rippey Day” birthday cake featuring the Kentucky logo and No. 1 jersey
A highlight reel of Rippey’s top plays edited with commentary from former Wildcat stars
Personalized video messages from current players and notable Kentucky alumni, including De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Maxey
A “Blue Carpet” video call with a full virtual tour of the locker room, training facilities, and Rupp Arena — all decorated in birthday-themed graphics with Rippey’s name
Pope, ever the charismatic leader, even appeared on the Zoom call wearing a party hat and holding a sign that read:
> “Happy Birthday, DRJ — We’re Saving a Locker for You.”
🏀 Why Rippey Jr. Matters
Ranked as the No. 3 point guard in the Class of 2026 and a top-10 overall prospect, Rippey Jr. is known for his elite ball-handling, defensive tenacity, and court vision well beyond his years. A two-time state champion at Hudson Catholic and MVP of the 2025 Nike EYBL Peach Jam, he’s widely considered the missing piece for any team with national title aspirations.
With blueblood programs like Duke, Kansas, and UConn circling, Kentucky’s creative birthday gesture wasn’t just about celebration — it was about connection.
🗣️ The Reaction
Rippey’s response?
> “Man, I wasn’t expecting all that. Coach Pope and the guys really made it special. It felt like family, even through a screen.”
He later reposted a screenshot of the call on Instagram with the caption:
> “Lexington love is different 💙 #BBN”
Recruiting insiders immediately took notice. 247Sports analyst Jeff Borzello tweeted,
> “Kentucky just set the new standard for remote recruiting. You don’t do all this unless you’re really all in on a kid.”
🔮 What’s Next?
Rippey Jr. is expected to narrow his list to five schools in September, with a commitment likely to follow before the early signing period in November. Kentucky remains a frontrunner, and Saturday’s gesture may have given them the emotional edge.
FINAL THOUGHT:
In an era of NIL, transfer portals, and business-like recruiting, Mark Pope reminded the basketball world that relationships still matter — and that sometimes, a birthday cake and a heartfelt Zoom can say more than a million-dollar pitch.
For Kentucky fans, the message was clear:
“He’s not just a recruit — he’s already one of us.”
