After missing the beginning of the season with a groin injury, Michigan freshman point guard Justin Pippen has started to carve out a role in recent games. Pippen’s point guard teammate Tre Donaldson has been instrumental in his development:
After missing the beginning of the season with a groin injury, Michigan Wolverines freshman point guard Justin Pippen has started to carve out a role in recent games. Pippen had a breakout performance in a win over Purdue Fort Wayne last weekend, scoring a career-high 10 points to go with four rebounds and two assists. He played 19 minutes, which was also the most for him this season.
“I’m just getting more comfortable and confident,” Pippen said. “As a freshman, we know we’re probably not going to play as much as we would like so it’s just about getting in the game and making the most of it.”
How about Pip today?
10 points || 4-for-8 FG || 2-for-4 3FG
Four boards || two assists || 19 minutes#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/27ihkL1RQ2— Michigan Men’s Basketball (@umichbball) December 22, 2024
Tre Donaldson has been instrumental in his development, taking Pippen under his wing and emphasizing the importance of defensive effort and remaining composed. It’s always helpful for upperclassmen to help younger players develop, and Donaldson has provided just that for Pippen.
“I cherish that I’m close with the younger guys. You’re not going to control everything so just control what you can and don’t try to do too much,” Donaldson said. “I talk to them a lot about defense. Just help them have a little cheat sheet.”
Pippen missed most of the summer and fall practices with a strained groin, so it took him a little while to get acclimated. But now it appears he’s more comfortable than ever, and Donaldson deserves credit for helping him get up to speed.
“It was tough, but I just tried to stay positive,” Pippen said regarding his injury. “I knew at one point I would get back to myself and get back to being confident so I was just staying in the lab, working and getting comfortable in practice.”
The talented freshman point guard has shown plenty of progress since returning to the court, earning praise for his growing composure and confidence. Pippen’s production off the bench was a huge factor in the Wolverines’ recent win over Purdue Fort Wayne.
Michigan head coach Dusty May described what Pippen can continue to bring to the rotation moving forward.
“When he showed up this summer, he was ready to play in the college game,” May said. “He’s sound, and it was great to see those shots go in. I thought he defended well and communication was good. Justin Pippen is a good player.”
With Pippen’s growth — and Donaldson’s guidance in full swing — Pippen looks poised to become a key part of the lineup as Big Ten play resumes following the non-conference finale against Western Kentucky this weekend.