NIL Deals Could Make Bill Self, Will Wade Frontrunners for 2026 Standout Deron Rippey Jr., Says Insider

The college basketball recruiting game has evolved dramatically since NIL deals transformed how programs pursue elite talent. For 5-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr., this new landscape might lead him straight to one of two programs known for maximizing these opportunities.

According to On3 recruiting insider Joe Tipton, Kansas’ Bill Self and NC State’s Will Wade have emerged as the frontrunners for the 2026 standout, and the connection runs deeper than just basketball excellence.

How Could Adidas NIL Connections Shape Rippey’s Decision?

Rippey, a 6’2″, 175-pound standout from New Jersey, is one of the most coveted prospects in the 2026 class. His two-way abilities, court vision, and improving jump shot have caught the attention of powerhouse programs across the country.

The talented guard recently released a top-12 list featuring elite schools like Duke, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Kansas.

However, the behind-the-scenes NIL chatter tells a different story. Tipton reports growing speculation that Adidas, the brand sponsoring Kansas, NC State, Miami, and Louisville, may play a significant role in Rippey’s recruitment.

Given his affiliation with the Adidas AAU circuit, Rippey could be steered toward a three-stripes program through a lucrative NIL partnership.

While no formal deal is currently in place, insiders believe this connection creates a compelling storyline worth monitoring closely. The relationship between shoe companies and elite recruits has always existed, but NIL deals now allow these partnerships to become official and financially beneficial for players.

Why Does Bill Self’s Winning Pedigree Appeal to Elite Guards?

Bill Self has consistently proven himself as a magnet for elite talent, and his historic success at Kansas only strengthens his recruiting pitch for Rippey. During his 22 seasons with the Jayhawks, Self has captured two national championships, 16 Big 12 titles, and eight league tournament crowns.

In the 2024-25 season, he reached a milestone by becoming the winningest coach in Kansas history and joined the exclusive 800-win club in NCAA Division I. This combination of sustained excellence and program prestige creates an attractive destination for top recruits.

Self’s track record of developing guards and preparing them for professional success adds another layer to his appeal. Plus, with Kansas serving as an Adidas flagship program, it represents the perfect storm of tradition, national exposure, and NIL opportunity that could prove irresistible for Rippey.

What Makes Will Wade’s NC State Program So Appealing?

Don’t overlook NC State and Will Wade in this recruitment battle. The recently named head coach of the Wolfpack brings a proven track record of quickly transforming programs into contenders.

After successful stints at VCU, LSU, and McNeese, Wade took the reins at NC State in March with a well-established reputation for aggressive recruiting and strategic NIL integration.

Wade’s recent success at McNeese speaks volumes about his coaching ability. He compiled a 50-9 record there and became the winningest coach in Southland Conference history by winning percentage in league games.

Previously at LSU, he led the Tigers to an SEC regular season title in 2019. Now positioned at an Adidas-sponsored program with increased resources and ACC-level competition, Wade is reportedly making Rippey a top priority in his recruiting efforts.

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Rippey’s impressive performance speaks for itself on the court. On the 2024-25 Adidas 3SSB circuit, he averaged 15.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, showcasing the well-rounded skill set that has caught the attention of blueblood programs nationwide.

His profile as a high-IQ, two-way floor general with explosiveness attacking the rim makes him an ideal fit for modern college basketball.

As Rippey’s recruitment intensifies, expect NIL dynamics to carry significant weight in his final decision, especially if Adidas-affiliated schools can offer creative and lucrative incentives.

Whether it’s Self’s championship pedigree and established program culture at Kansas or Wade’s infectious energy and rapid program-building success at NC State, the NIL era could ultimately be the deciding factor in landing Deron Rippey Jr.