Scotty Pippen Jr announces decision on NBA, Vanderbilt future

Vanderbilt star Scotty Pippen Jr announced his decision on Monday regarding the upcoming NBA draft and his future with Vanderbilt. Pippen will test the NBA waters and sign with an agent, leaving Vanderbilt after three seasons and a phenomenal 2021-2022 season that ended in the NIT at the hands of future NIT Champion Xavier.

Thank you Vandy🖤 pic.twitter.com/7hXozT8ih6

— Scotty Pippen Jr (@spippenjr) April 18, 2022

Scotty Pippen Jr. moving to the NBA

“To the city of Nashville, thank you for making me feel at home. This community has helped shape me into the person and player I am today, and I’m forever grateful for that,” read Pippen’s statement.

“I want to thank Coach Stackhouse, all of my coaches, teammates, support staff and professors for being there for me and always believing in me.

“To Commodore Nation — Thank you for supporting me from day one. I felt the love every time I stepped foot on the court in Memorial. It’s a feeling I’ll never forget.

“At this time, I’ve decided to take the next step in my journey. I am entering the NBA draft and will sign with an agent. Anchor Down!”

Pippen’s 2021-2022 season saw him score 20.4 points per game, the highest scoring average in the SEC last season. His 736 points was a Vanderbilt record, as well as setting records at Vanderbilt for field goal attempts, free throw attempts and free throws made. He played 36 games last season for the Commodores, tying the school record for games played.

Pippen’s decision will now indicate the direction head coach Jerry Stackhouse goes with re-loading his Vanderbilt team via the transfer portal.

“We hope he makes his decision soon, because whether he comes back or not we still have to keep forging forward and be able to add a player in the transfer portal,” Stackhouse said ahead of Pippen’s decision. “Right now, we’ve got one scholarship available to go out and try to add to talent. Depending on what he decides to do, there could be an opportunity to do that with a couple of guys. There are definitely some quality guys that I feel like could come in and help us there. But obviously, more importantly, we’d love to have him back.”