After two seasons at Vanderbilt, Scotty Pippen Jr declares for the 2021 NBA Draft. The 6’1″ guard and son of NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen will test the NBA waters, but leave a return to Vanderbilt open. Overall, his game at Vanderbilt developed, and his body matured allowing him to potentially make a move towards the next level.
Pippen made the announcement via Twitter:
— Scotty Pippen Jr (@spippenjr) April 10, 2021
The end of his statement is the most important for Commodores fans. Allowing his college eligibility to remain is a very smart move. Pippen clearly has people close to him to help navigate the process, and if the feedback they receive is good enough he will surely hire an agent and remain in the draft. However, if the feedback is ‘go back, work on this, that, and another,’ then the opportunity to back out and come back to Nashville is there. Surely, coach Jerry Stackhouse would welcome back his best player from this season.
Pippen ranked 2nd overall in the SEC in points per game. 16th nationally. Averaging 20.8 points a game with almost 5.0 assists, he became a formidable scorer and playmaker when needed. Free-throw shooting made a huge jump between years one and two. 70.9% to 85% should be celebrated. It isn’t hard to believe he will stay in the draft, this was seen as a breakout season and there isn’t much more he may be able to show scouts. After averaging 20 points a game as a sophomore in the SEC, is there much more one can do?
His game is fun to watch, he is a determined ball handler. When his team needs a basket, he gets one or does his damndest. Even though his Commodores didn’t make the NCAA Tournament, his play and leadership were elevated this season and he deserves to test the waters. Out of high school, despite his name, he was undervalued as a 3-star recruit. I like his play and determination and think he will be successful at the next level.
