Nashville – Scotty Pippen Jr., once a modest three-star recruit with just one power-five offer beyond Vanderbilt’s invitation from coach Jerry Stackhouse, has emerged as a credible <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA player. Three years after leaving Vanderbilt early to enter the NBA Draft, Pippen has demonstrated his value at the professional level, notably through his contributions with the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite Vanderbilt’s challenging seasons during his tenure, Pippen attributes his development and success in the NBA to his experiences with the Commodores.

From Modest Beginnings to Establishing a Role in the NBA

Pippen appeared in 79 games for the Memphis Grizzlies last season, starting in 21, and averaged 9.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. While these figures may not reflect superstar status, they mark Pippen as a reliable all-around contributor. This achievement is notable considering he played only 21 games in the 2023-24 season and six in the 2022-23 season, underscoring a challenging path to consistency. His journey to this point was unconventional and demanding, yet Vanderbilt’s environment played a key role in preparing him for this stage.

Learning and Growing Through Vanderbilt’s Difficult Seasons

Reflecting on his time in Nashville, Pippen acknowledged that despite the team’s struggles, he gained valuable experience and growth opportunities.

“I think it prepared me well,”

Pippen said.

“Although we weren’t good, I feel like I was able to get reps and I was able to be around players that pushed me and people that helped me become better not only as a player, but as a man whether it was the strength coaches, the coach that rebounded for me, GAs, everyone.”

This environment of tough competition and support fostered his development on multiple levels.

Pippen’s Leadership and Performance in His Final College Season

In his last season at Vanderbilt, Pippen led the team with averages of 20.4 points, 4.5 assists, 1.9 steals per game, and an impressive 538 free throw attempts. Although the team’s overall performance fell short of Pippen’s expectations for a squad he believed was better, his efforts represented a significant personal statement and repayment of faith to Stackhouse and the Vanderbilt coaching staff, who had invested in his potential from the outset.

Choosing Loyalty Over Broader Opportunities

Before his junior year, Pippen had the opportunity to transfer to several other programs, even schools with more recognized national profiles, but he chose to remain at Vanderbilt out of loyalty to Stackhouse. Despite going undrafted in 2022, Pippen did not express regret about staying at Vanderbilt for another season. He recently returned to Nashville to co-host a two-day basketball camp with fellow former Commodores standout players Ezra Manjon, Jordan Wright, and Tyrin Lawrence, embracing his ties to the community and the program that helped launch his career.

Emotional Connection to Vanderbilt and Personal Growth

“This place helped me make my dream come true,”

Pippen expressed.

“I made a lot of memories here. It’s a surreal feeling to come here to play, just because I grew up so much here as a man. I had a crazy career here, so I’ve enjoyed [being back].”

His bond with Vanderbilt remains strong, something that has anchored him despite the ups and downs of both his college team and his early professional career.

Facing Doubts and Proving Critics Wrong

When Pippen first arrived on campus during Stackhouse’s inaugural season as Vanderbilt’s coach, some doubted his potential due to his size and athleticism, labeling him too small, too old, and not explosive enough. Still, Pippen’s persistence and work ethic pushed him to earn every opportunity. After college, he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers as an undrafted free agent, a humbling transition from being the leading scorer at Vanderbilt to fighting for a spot on an NBA roster.

Versatility and Determination Fueling NBA Success

Asked about the key to his ability to remain in the NBA, Pippen highlighted his willingness to adapt.

“Just me being willing to do whatever it takes to win and do whatever the coach wants me to do whether it’s be a defender, be a scorer, be a playmaker,”

he said.

“I feel like I was always willing and able to do anything.”

This flexibility has become a cornerstone of his professional career and has led to a deeper role with the Grizzlies.

Maintaining Gratitude and Connection to His Roots

Despite building a career in the NBA, Pippen remains deeply thankful for Vanderbilt’s influence. “I’m thankful,” Pippen said.

“I still feel like this is still like a second home, family.”

His ongoing relationship with the Vanderbilt community underscores the lasting impact the program has had on his life and career, illustrating the personal and professional growth nurtured during his college years.