In a stunning twist, Michigan freshman guard Justin Pippen, son of NBA legend Scottie Pippen, has announced his decision to enter the transfer portal right as the Wolverines celebrate a Sweet 16 berth in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
The news broken by 247Sports on March 24, 2025, has sent shockwaves through college basketball, raising questions about timing and loyalty.
A Freshman Season Cut Short
Pippen’s departure comes as Michigan, under first-year coach Dusty May, prepares to face No. 1 Auburn on March 27, following upset wins over UC San Diego and Texas A&M.
The 6’3″ guard and a four-star recruit represented by Klutch Sports leaves a program on the rise, prompting fans and analysts to debate his motives during this critical juncture for the Wolverines.
NEWS: Michigan guard Justin Pippen will enter the transfer portal, a source tells @247Sports.
Son of NBA legend Scottie Pippen. Former four-star recruit. Represented by Klutch Sports.https://t.co/6i99HCvb1A pic.twitter.com/HVlchh8jf2
— Travis Branham (@TravisBranham_) March 24, 2025
Pippen’s 2024-25 season at Michigan was underwhelming, with the freshman averaging just 1.8 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 0.5 assists in 7.1 minutes across 17 games. His shooting splits 38.5% from the field and 25% from three, reflecting limited impact.
A concussion before the Big Ten Tournament sidelined him, and he hasn’t played since. He missed Michigan’s tournament run, which likely fueled his decision to seek new opportunities.
Several factors point to Pippen’s transfer. His minimal role behind veterans like Tre Donaldson and Nimari Burnett, coupled with the coaching change from Juwan Howard to May, may have left him feeling out of place.
Fans on X are split as one fan called it a “loser mentality,” while another fan noted, “These players will never be happy.”
Pippen might target programs like Arizona or Stanford for more minutes.
Pippen’s move highlights the transfer portal’s growing influence in college basketball, with over 1,500 players entering annually, according to NCAA data. The 2025 window opening post-tournament allows early announcements like Pippen’s to gain a recruiting edge.
This trend, while empowering players, often sparks debate about team commitment, especially during March Madness, as programs balance roster stability with individual aspirations in a rapidly evolving landscape.
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The timing of Pippen’s announcement has sparked debate, but it reflects the modern transfer portal era, in which players prioritize development over loyalty.
As a Klutch Sports client, Pippen’s next move will be strategic, aiming for a program to showcase his NBA potential. Michigan, meanwhile remains focused on Auburn but Pippen’s exit signals roster changes ahead as the Wolverines navigate this bittersweet tournament run.
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