The Michigan Wolverines are dancing into the Sweet 16.
However, one notable name won’t be in attendance.
Freshman guard Justin Pippen.
The youngest son of six-time NBA champion, Scottie Pippen, entered the transfer portal before the tournament had begun.
The 6-foot-3, 180-pound guard appeared in 28 games for Michigan, averaging 1.6 points in 6.6 minutes.
He wasn’t exactly lighting the world on fire, nor did he get the minutes to do so.
It was a fit that he deemed was no longer the best for him and his career, thus the decision to enter the transfer portal.
The timing is unfortunate as the Wolverines are still alive in the NCAA tournament, but this is the reality of college athletics in 2025.
The portal opens up, and if you want to find a new home where you will be able to play and want a fresh start, you have to act fast.
By no means is it Pippen’s fault he wants a new beginning somewhere else.
Blame the NCAA and the awkward timing they have implemented the portal to open.
A similar situation took place in the college football playoff last season, as Penn State’s number two quarterback Beau Pribula left his team in the middle of a playoff run because he entered the portal and had to do what was best for him.
Similarly, his teammate, another son of an NBA legend, won’t be suiting up for the Wolverines.
In today’s world, college athletics is like the Wild West.
It’s a lawless place where you have to look out for yourself or else you’re going to get left behind.
Pippen understood this and had to make the touch decision to leave his team during the most important part of their season.
The fifth-seeded Wolverines takes on the number one overall seed, Auburn Tigers, on Friday night in the Sweet 16.
Michigan is coming off of a conference tournament title in the Big Ten, and victories over UCSD and Texas A&M in the first two rounds of the tournament.
In other words, the Wolverines are as hot as can be.
March Madness Top Stories
Ranking the greatest players in NCAA men’s March Madness history – from Michael Jordan to Magic Johnson
‘This sister is special’ – Stephen A. Smith identifies rising star who can challenge Caitlin Clark’s WNBA dominance
March Madness legends who are still balling in NBA today – from Steph Curry to Ja Morant
NCAA March Madness is bigger and better than the College Football Playoff – the springtime phenomenon is bigger than ever
Biggest March Madness upsets in history of NCAA Tournament – top seeds humiliated as small schools enjoy their moment
And while Pippen played an extremely minor role in their season, it’s clear they haven’t skipped a beat.
It’s full steam ahead for the Wolverine as they look to pull off the massive upset and inch closer to the Final Four.
Something they haven’t done since 2018.
Meanwhile, Pippen will be navigating the portal, trying to find his next home.
Fortunately for the young 20-year-old, he has a father who can give out some decent advice on the court and where he thinks his fit and skillset would be best utilized.
After all, Michael Jordan doesn’t have six rings if it isn’t for Justin’s father.
Who else can say that?
How to watch March Madness in the UK
*If you click a link in this box we will earn affiliate revenue
March Madness is one of the most exciting times of the year for basketball fans, with a total of 68 teams battling it out to become the Division 1 college champions.
This year UConn have the chance to become only the second team ever to complete a March Madness three-peat, having emerged victorious for the last two years.
talkSPORT will have the latest news on the tournament, but for UK basketball fans the way to watch is through Sky Sports. The broadcaster will be showing EVERY March Madness game through their Sky Sports + streaming service.
Click here to sign up to a Sky Sports subscription, or read our article on the best Sky Sports deals available now.
