Scottie's Son Is Done in Berkeley, Headed to Ohio State With a Message

Justin Pippen is leaving Cal and heading to Ohio State, his agents at WME Basketball confirmed to ESPN on Thursday. The sophomore guard just wrapped up a breakout season in Berkeley and decided to take his talents elsewhere, entering the transfer portal earlier this week before committing to the Buckeyes.

This is not your typical transfer story. Pippen is the son of NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, which means he comes with pedigree and expectations. His older brother Scotty Pippen Jr. plays for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA, so basketball runs deep in this family. Justin played high school ball at Sierra Canyon in Los Angeles before landing at Michigan.

A Sophomore Surge in Berkeley

Pippen had the kind of season at Cal that gets scouts' attention. He averaged 14.2 points per game this year while dishing out 4.6 assists and pulling down 3.9 rebounds. More importantly, he led the Bears in assists and finished tied for second on the team in scoring average. That productivity helped Cal reach the second round of the NIT, a solid run for the program.

At 6-foot-2 and with a combo guard skill set, Pippen is a playmaker who can score and create for teammates. Ohio State expects him to fill a similar role to departing Buckeye guard Devin Royal, meaning he'll carry real responsibility from day one in Columbus.

The Michigan Connection

Here's the wild part: Pippen becomes a rare player who has now played for both sides of the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry. Last season, he played 28 games for the Wolverines before deciding to hit the transfer portal and land at Berkeley. Now he is flipping to Ohio State, which means he has worn all the gear and knows both locker rooms.

That kind of experience and the pedigree he carries should make Pippen a weapon for the Buckeyes going forward.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.