ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Michigan Wolverines are still dancing as they’re heading to Atlanta for a Sweet 16 matchup against the No. 1 seeded Auburn Tigers inside State Farm Arena.
In the midst of the celebration, the college transfer portal opened on Monday (March 24), and one of the successful recruits that Dusty May acquired during his first year with the program has decided to leave.
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According to 247Sports’ Travis Branham, former four-star recruit and the son of Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, Justin Pippen, announced that he is entering his name in the transfer portal.
After the transformation of Tre Donaldson, who is expected to return next season alongside the signing of 2025 5-star recruit point guard Trey McKenney, plus the emergence of L.J. Cason and Roddy Gayle Jr., the guard position is secured for next season.
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Fans are questioning the timing of Pippen’s decision, but the matter seemed to have been decided ahead of the NCAA Tournament as the freshman did not travel to Denver for their matchup with UC San Diego and Texas A&M.
In 28 games, Pippen averaged 6.6 minutes on 1.6 points while shooting 27.3% from the field and 26.7% from the three-point line during his lone season with the Wolverines.
Pippen will now join Nimari Burnett, Vladislav Goldin, Will Tschetter, Rubin Jones, and Jace Howard as key departures at the end of the season.
There is a possibility that Danny Wolf could be a departure as the 7′0″, 250-pound ball handler is expected to go in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, but nothing has been made official.
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