The next Pippen on the way to the NBA court has certain players he’s inspired by. Justin Pippen came into his style at the end of his high school career and was on a sure path to Michigan. As he’s gearing up for his collegiate debut, everyone wants to know if there is someone who the newly minted Wolverine follows on the court. After all, he comes from a championship legacy with a dad who won six rings before Justin was born. On the MGoBlue podcast, Justin named his favorite players currently. The list includes a Pippen. Just not the Pippen.

When Jon Jansen asked who was at the “upper levels of basketball” Justin watched and modeled his game after. The 19-year-old said on MGoBlue podcast, “I gotta say my brother, probably LaMelo Ball, and Trae Young.” And Jansen just moved on.

Hello? Did Justin forget someone? A certain Chicago Bulls superstar who stood out from the second he came into the league? Does an Olympic gold ring a bell? Or the name Scottie Pippen? That’s Justin’s dad who just got shoved aside for his elder son, Scotty Pippen Jr. We are kidding. Justin is allowed to pick even Michael Jordan (though that would really put family loyalty to the test).

Unlike their dad, Scotty Jr. had a slow start and had to develop physically and skill-wise. Since entering the league in 2022, he’s building up to a breakout season with the Memphis Grizzlies. It makes sense for Justin to look up to active examples like his brother, LaMelo, and Trae Young since he was born seven years after his dad last won a championship.

Besides, the 6’3″ combo guard plays the same position as Scotty while their father redefined the small forward position. Justin too, had a late spurt, like his brother, towards the end of his high school career. That earned him attention from Stanford, Texas, and Florida. Bu,t he chose Michigan as his gateway to play with his brother in the NBA.

There’s a new Pippen in town

Justin might just think he’s better than the legendary Scottie Pippen too. The 6x champion spent Father’s Day this year getting posterized brutally by his kids. They shared their celebration on Instagram which included a home-cooked meal by Scottie, a round of Connect Four, and some 1vs1.

During their friendly game of hoops, Justin resorted to some trash talk. “You can’t beat me in anything!” he told his dad. Someone show Justin the footage of Pip posterizing Patrick Ewing for talking trash.

But, his kids get a pass. Scottie is the sappy dad who’s been on an emotional streak with each of his kids’ milestones. And Justin’s giving off Arkansas Pip vibes at Michigan already. Scouts’ early analysis observing Michigan workouts paints Justin in a promising light. He’s already touted as a better shooter than Scotty Pippen Jr. Sounds like Justin’s going to surpass both dad and brother soon.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.