5 Shocking Ways Justin Pippen Is Stepping Out Of Scottie's Shadow At Cal

Justin Pippen, the youngest son of NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, is no longer just a name on a legendary family tree; he is rapidly emerging as one of the most exciting and dynamic combo guards in college basketball. As of the current date, December 15, 2025, Pippen is enjoying a breakout sophomore season with the Cal Golden Bears, a massive career shift that followed his unexpected entry into the transfer portal after a brief stint with the Michigan Wolverines. This pivotal move has allowed him to shed the "son of a legend" label and establish himself as a legitimate NBA Draft prospect. The 2025-2026 NCAA season is proving to be the defining chapter of his young career, with Pippen showcasing an all-around game that is leading the California Golden Bears' resurgence. His aggressive offensive mindset, coupled with impressive defensive instincts, has turned him into a must-watch player for scouts and college basketball fans alike. The question is no longer "Is he as good as his father?" but "How high can Justin Pippen climb on his own merit?"

Justin Pippen: The Latest Biography and Career Profile

Justin Pippen's journey to becoming a star point guard has been closely watched, not just because of his famous lineage, but due to his significant late-blooming development during his high school years. His decision to transfer and his immediate impact at a new program highlight a player comfortable betting on himself.

• Full Name: Justin Pippen
• Born: July 12, 2004 (or 2005)
• Age: 20 (as of late 2025)
• Hometown: Los Angeles, California
• High School: Sierra Canyon High School (Chatsworth, CA)
• Position: Combo Guard / Guard
• Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
• Weight: 190 lbs (86 kg)
• NCAA Class: Sophomore (2025-2026 Season)
• Current Team: California Golden Bears (Cal)
• Previous Team: Michigan Wolverines (2024-2025 Season)
• Recruiting Rank: 4-star prospect (RSCI Top 100 Rank: 68 in 2024)
• Notable Family: Scottie Pippen (Father, NBA Hall of Famer), Scotty Pippen Jr. (Brother, NBA Player)

Pippen's high school career at Sierra Canyon saw him play alongside other high-profile talents, which helped him hone his game against elite competition. His late rise in the recruiting rankings, jumping from outside the top 190 to inside the top 70, signaled his potential, eventually leading to his initial commitment to the Michigan Wolverines program under coach Dusty May.

The Shocking Transfer and Breakout Season at Cal

The biggest headline for Justin Pippen in 2025 was his unexpected move into the NCAA transfer portal following his freshman season at Michigan. While he appeared in 28 games for the Wolverines, mostly off the bench, he sought a program where he could have a more immediate and significant impact on the court. The subsequent commitment to the California Golden Bears (Cal) proved to be the catalyst for his sophomore surge. This transfer has been a masterstroke, allowing Pippen to transition from a reserve role in the Big Ten to a primary offensive engine in the ACC. The move has paid immediate dividends for both the player and the program, with Pippen quickly becoming a foundational piece for the Golden Bears.

The 5 Ways Pippen is Dominating the 2025-2026 Season

Justin Pippen's current performance with the Cal Golden Bears is turning heads across the college basketball landscape. His stats are not only impressive but demonstrate a complete, two-way game that few guards his age possess. Here is a look at the five key areas where he is excelling during the 2025-2026 season:

1. Elite Scoring Volume and Efficiency (15.3 PPG)

Pippen has embraced the role of a go-to scorer, averaging a robust 15.3 points per game (PPG). This scoring output is a massive jump from his freshman year and positions him as the leading scorer for the Golden Bears. He is comfortable scoring from all three levels—the three-point line, the mid-range, and at the rim—a hallmark of a naturally talented guard with great instincts. His ability to create his own shot is paramount to Cal's offensive success, as evidenced by a recent 24-point performance where he took over in the second half.

2. Playmaking and Court Vision (4.2 APG)

Beyond scoring, Pippen is demonstrating true combo guard capabilities with 4.2 assists per game (APG). This number shows his development as a primary ball-handler and playmaker who can initiate the offense. He doesn't just look for his own shot; he sets up his teammates, a crucial skill for any NBA Draft prospect. This playmaking ability is a key differentiator from some other high-volume scorers.

3. Defensive Prowess (1.7 SPG & 1.0 BPG)

Perhaps the most surprising and impressive aspect of Pippen's game is his defensive versatility. He is averaging 1.7 steals per game (SPG) and a shocking 1.0 blocks per game (BPG). A guard averaging a block per game is a rarity and speaks to his long arms, quick reflexes, and the defensive instincts he likely inherited from his legendary father, who was an 8-time NBA All-Defensive First Team member. This two-way impact is what truly separates him from his peers.

4. High-Volume Minutes and Durability (30.5 MPG)

Pippen is logging an average of 30.5 minutes per game (MPG), a testament to his coaches' trust in his conditioning and leadership. After missing a portion of his freshman season due to a concussion, his ability to stay on the court and maintain a high-level of play for extended periods is a significant positive for his professional outlook. He is consistently performing under pressure, showing durability and stamina.

5. Improved Shooting Splits (41.6% FG / 34.0% 3P)

While still a work in progress, Pippen's shooting percentages are solid for a high-usage guard. He is shooting 41.6% from the field (FG%) and 34.0% from beyond the arc (3P%). For a player who takes a high volume of shots and is often the focus of the opposing defense, these numbers indicate a respectable level of efficiency. As the season progresses, an increase in his three-point percentage will only further solidify his status as an elite offensive threat.

The NBA Draft Outlook: Is Justin Pippen a Future Pro?

The ultimate goal for Justin Pippen, like his brother Scotty Pippen Jr., is to reach the NBA. His performance in the 2025-2026 season has significantly boosted his draft stock. NBA decision-makers are always looking for guards who can score, create, and defend, and Pippen checks all three boxes. His measurable attributes—standing at 6'3" with a projectable build and long arms—are ideal for a modern NBA guard. The fact that he is already demonstrating an elite combination of scoring (15.3 PPG) and defensive stats (1.7 SPG, 1.0 BPG) in one of college basketball's top conferences makes him a very attractive prospect. The transition from a reserve role at Michigan to a star at Cal highlights his mental toughness and competitive drive. While his shooting percentages, particularly from three-point range, will need to improve to consistently impress NBA scouts, his overall trajectory is pointing sharply upward. He has successfully carved out his own identity, moving beyond the shadow of his legendary father, Scottie Pippen, and establishing himself as a legitimate name to watch in the upcoming NBA Draft cycle.