Duke commits Deron Rippey Jr., Cameron Williams send clear message at All-American game
Duke basketball commits Deron Rippey Jr. and Cameron Williams have a clear message for Blue Devils fans heading into their freshman seasons in Durham.
The duo shared it at the 2026 McDonald’s All American game in Glendale, Arizona.
“Me and Rippey are going to do our job when we get there,” Williams, the No. 3 player in the class, said. “We’re going to listen to the coaches. Our top priority is just to win and get a national championship.”
“Whatever it takes to win,” Rippey Jr., the No. 10 player in the class, added. “I know Jon Scheyer has some expectations for me coming in. I just want to make sure I make myself available to check off all those boxes, whether it’s defense, getting people involved, or scoring when that comes as well. I just wanna be a dog on the court.”
Williams, the top-rated power forward in the 2026 cycle, was the third to commit in Duke’s 2026 class. The 6-foot-11, 220-pounder is a Phoenix native out of St. Mary’s High School. Rippey Jr., the top-rated point guard in the class, is a Blairstown, New Jersey, native, playing high school basketball at Blair Academy.
Both participated in the McDonald’s All-American game on Tuesday, March 31, going head-to-head as Rippey Jr. suited up for the East team and Williams the West.
Rippey Jr. finished with seven points, five rebounds, four assists on 3-of-7 shooting across 21:55. Williams played 20:02, scoring nine points with three rebounds, one assist and one steal. The West team won 102-86.
“Duke is getting a dog,” Rippey Jr. said. “I just want everyone to know right now I’m a competitor. I’ll do whatever it takes to win, whether it’s defense, scoring, passing, whatever it is that coach needs, I’m gonna do it.”
The five-stars join Duke’s 2026 class alongside five-star small forward Bryson Howard and four-star center Maxime Meyer. Jon Scheyer’s class sits No. 1 overall per 247Sports Composite ratings.
“With our freshman class coming in, I think we’re going to be really special,” Williams said. “I think we’re gonna have everything we need Duke to have to win a national championship. My mindset is just to go in there, work hard everyday, stay focused and just do whatever it takes to win.”
