Guard Justin Pippen Transfers to Buckeyes
Justin Pippen, a sophomore guard from Cal, has committed to Ohio State, his representatives confirmed. Pippen, whose father is NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, is a notable addition to the Buckeyes' roster through the NCAA transfer portal.
Pippen, a combo guard, is expected to assume a significant role for Ohio State, potentially filling the void left by departing guard Devin Royal. Last season at Cal, Pippen was a starter, averaging 14.2 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.9 rebounds over nearly 31 minutes per game. His statistical output marks a considerable step up from his freshman year at Michigan, where he saw limited playing time.
A Familiar Collegiate Path
This move marks Pippen's second transfer in as many seasons. He initially enrolled at Michigan before transferring to Cal ahead of his sophomore year. The transfer to Ohio State places him in the Big Ten conference, a familiar league for players with ties to Michigan. The transaction also mirrors a recent movement where former Ohio State player Roddy Gayle Jr. transferred to Michigan.
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Ranked as the No. 15 shooting guard and No. 79 overall player in the transfer portal rankings by On3, Pippen arrives at Ohio State with a pedigree and statistical improvements that suggest he could be a key contributor. His skill set, described as including "tremendous passing skills," indicates a potential fit to run the offense for the Buckeyes.
