Newsstand: Michigan head coach Dusty May lands first high school, transfer commitments
Tweets Of The Day
Michigan head coach Dusty May landed his first commitment from a high school recruit (four-star guard Justin Pippen) and a transfer (former North Texas guard Rubin Jones) on Friday, making for a big splash heading into the weekend.
More on Pippen from The Wolverine’s Chris Balas:
A 2024 recruit, Pippen was a late addition to the visit list last weekend but enjoyed his trip, so much so that On3’s Jamie Shaw logged an RPM prediction in Michigan’s favor. Pippen is the son of Basketball Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen and brother NBA guard Scottie Pippen, Jr.
“Much like his brother, Justin Pippen is a later bloomer,” Shaw wrote in February. “He has always been a good athlete and an aggressive basketball player at the point of attack … however, this high school season he has sprouted up to 6-foot-3.
“The Chatsworth (Cali.) Sierra Canyon guard has produced some big outputs this season. However, the efficiency and processing are questions. Of the 12 games that Synergy has charted this season, Pippen is averaging 14.8 points while shooting 37.1 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from three. In that span, he is also averaging 5.8 assists with a 3.00 assist-to-turnover while averaging 2.3 steals. The eye test will show you a guard with good size, who is comfortable with the ball in his hands and has no trouble touching the paint.”
Pippen is currently No. 103 in the On3 industry ranking, but rising. He visited Michigan last weekend, after which On3’s Jamie Shaw logged an On3 RPM prediction in U-M’s favor.
More on Jones from The Wolverine’s Anthony Broome:
Jones spent four years with the Mean Green and is coming off a career season, averaging 12.1 points per game with 3.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds while shooting 39.6 percent from the floor and 41.6% on the year. He is a career 36.6 percent three-point shooter but shot 40.6 percent during his freshman year.
Jones started all 23 games he played in this past season — missing 11 contests with an injury — and made 59 starts in 111 games with North Texas.
Jones was also a Conference USA All-Defensive Team member in 2023 after playing in all 35 games and making five starts. He averaged 6.7 points and 3.0 rebounds per night. The 2021-22 season saw him make 30 of 31 starts for the Mean Green, averaging 8.2 points per game. He played in 22 games during his true freshman year in 2020-21, making the C-USA All-Freshman Team and averaged 6.2 points per game.
The 93 wins racked up on his watch make him the winningest player in program history, which is a pedigree Michigan hopes he brings with him.
Michigan softball walked off to beat Nebraska, 4-3, with freshman Ava Costales hitting a solo homer. The Wolverines improved to 31-14 overall and 11-3 in Big Ten play with the triumph.
Quote Of The Day
“I chose Michigan because my long-term goal is to make the NBA. Michigan is great for my development and playing on that big of a stage in that conference is great for me.”
— Pippen on pledging to Michigan
Headlines Of The Day
• Chris Balas, The Wolverine: Michigan basketball lands top 2024 guard Justin Pippen
• Chris Balas and Clayton Sayfie, The Wolverine: INSIDE THE FORT, PART II: Michigan QB rumblings, hoops progress, more
• EJ Holland, The Wolverine: Father of Savion Hiter, nation’s No. 1 ranked RB, gives Michigan visit high marks
• Anthony Broome, The Wolverine: North Texas transfer guard Rubin Jones commits to Michigan
• Clayton Sayfie, The Wolverine: Eight defensive players with the most to prove in 2024 Michigan spring game
