Justin Pippen has decided to jump on the transfer portal after just one season with the California Golden Bears. He arrived at Berkeley for his sophomore season after an unremarkable first year at Ann Arbor with the Michigan Wolverines. Over the last year, he has become a reliable starter and defensive player.
Where could the son of NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen go now?
5 Best Landing Spots for Justin Pippen
5. Michigan Wolverines
After a single season at Berkeley, California, Pippen has proven he can be a reliable starter. Why not return to Ann Arbor following a successful first full season as a starter with the Golden Bears? The Wolverines are certainly an enticing prospect and one of the best programs in the nation. The one problem is that he would probably go back to the bench, although he could certainly get a more significant role there than he did in 2024-25.
4. Kentucky Wildcats
This is a team with a history, but not the present. With the Wildcats of Mark Pope, Pippen is likely to get a more recurring role. He would help them improve their perimeter defense, after all, he was one of the best defensive players in the country this season with a 103.3 defensive rating. He could balance out the team and make them a more cohesive unit.
3. UCLA Bruins
The UCLA Bruins are another team in the middle of a rebuild, looking to improve on their NCAA Tournament performances of the last two seasons, which, in practice, means getting beyond the second round. For Pippen, it makes sense because he’s a native of Los Angeles, and it could be an incredible NIL market for him.
2. Arkansas Razorbacks
The Razorbacks are looking like they’re one move away from becoming a national title contender. Pippen is not yet the kind of player who would get a guaranteed spot in John Calipari’s lineup. But he could eventually become one, and they would give him a chance to play in the SEC and, perhaps, make a national title run in his junior or senior season.
1. Memphis Tigers
The Memphis Tigers make sense because it’s likely the place where Justin Pippen could continue as a reliable starter. While the Tigers’ season was extremely disappointing, with a final record of 13-19, they made it to the NCAA Tournament the prior season and were the AAC regular-season and tournament champions. Adding a player like Pippen could allow them to challenge once more.
Also Read: “I Cry a Little Bit”: Dan Hurley Reveals Another “Pre-Match Ritual” for NCAA Championship Final
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