Bears Add Another NBA Star Legacy With Commitment of Michigan Transfer Justin Pippen

Little more than a year ago, the Bears extended an offer in December of 2023 to 2024 Sierra Canyon 4 star combo guard Justin Pippen‍. If the last name sounds familiar, it’s no coincidence as the versatile guard is the son of NBA legend Scotty Pippen. After playing sparingly as a reserve on a loaded Sierra Canyon team as a junior, Pippen has came on strong in his senior season, averaging 18.1 points, 5.2 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. He has a smooth, effortless style and is equally adept at distributing, shooting, attacking the rim and rebounding and is a good and willing defender.

Pippen had Cal, Stanford, Gonzaga and Tennessee high on his list before committing to Michigan last year and had an existing relationship with assistant head coach Adam Mazarei, who coached Pippen’s brother Scotty Jr for three seasons at Vanderbilt from 2019-22 as well as Cal head coach Mark Madsen’s years in NBA playing against Scotty Sr. 

Pippen didn’t see significant time on a fairly deep Michigan roster as a freshman this season, averaging just 1.6 points, 0.7 rebounds and 0.6 assists in 6.6 minutes per game in his freshman year but his athleticism and upside present an interesting package for the Bears as they look to wrap up their portal class soon.

Pippen will join NBA legacy Andrej Stojakovic‍, whose father Peja starred in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings as well as PWO guard Stephon Marbury II.