Eric Boggs
Ohio State may have found a key piece to its backcourt rebuild, landing transfer guard Justin Pippen, a player whose pedigree and production suggest he could play a major role in the Buckeyes’ future. The son of Scottie Pippen, Justin arrives in Columbus with both high expectations and the opportunity to carve out his own identity within a program in need of immediate impact talent.
From an Ohio State perspective, this addition feels like a step in the right direction during a critical offseason. After losing Bruce Thornton to graduation and seeing both Gabe Cupps and Taison Chatman enter the transfer portal, the Buckeyes were in desperate need of a guard capable of handling the ball, creating offense, and stabilizing the rotation. Pippen brings all of those qualities, along with proven production at the high-major level.
His sophomore season at California showcased the type of player he is becoming. Averaging 14.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, Pippen emerged as a true playmaker who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. His passing ability stands out most, as his assist numbers ranked among the best in the ACC and reflect a player comfortable orchestrating an offense. For a team like Ohio State that needs structure and consistency in the backcourt, that skill set is invaluable.
Equally important is his defensive presence. Pippen’s length and instincts make him a disruptive perimeter defender, evidenced by his strong steal numbers and overall defensive impact. That ability should complement John Mobley Jr. well, especially if Mobley returns to Columbus after testing the NBA Draft waters. With Mobley more naturally suited to an off-ball scoring role, Pippen’s presence could allow the Buckeyes to better balance their backcourt responsibilities.
There are still areas for growth, particularly in shooting efficiency. Pippen shot 37 percent from the field last season, a number that reflects both shot selection and the volume of three-point attempts he took. However, within a more structured system and alongside other offensive threats, there is reason to believe that efficiency can improve. His willingness to take shots and create offense, though, is something Ohio State needs after inconsistent scoring contributions from its guard depth last season.
His journey to this point has not been entirely linear. After beginning his career at Michigan, where he struggled to find consistent minutes in a veteran-heavy rotation, Pippen transferred to California and took a significant leap forward. That progression speaks to both his resilience and his upside, traits that should resonate with Ohio State fans looking for players ready to take the next step.
Looking ahead, Pippen is a strong candidate to start alongside Mobley in the 2026-27 season, assuming Mobley returns. His ability to handle point guard duties while allowing others to play more natural roles gives Ohio State a level of flexibility it lacked at times last year. Still, this move is just the beginning of what must be a productive stretch in the transfer portal.
The Buckeyes continue to search for a starting-caliber center and additional depth pieces at both guard and wing, as the roster remains far from complete. But with Pippen now in the fold, Ohio State has added a foundational piece to its rebuilding effort—one that brings both name recognition and, more importantly, the skill set needed to help move the program forward during a pivotal season.
