Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. became the latest National Basketball Association (NBA) player to experience the Philippines’ deep love for basketball, spending time with local stars and fans during a special appearance in Metro Manila.
The 25-year-old visited an NBA Store in Mandaluyong City on Thursday, July 30, where hundreds of fans gathered for the opportunity to meet one of the league’s rising guards. The event also featured a memorable meeting between Pippen Jr. and Gilas Pilipinas and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel star Scottie Thompson—a fitting encounter considering Thompson was famously named after Pippen Jr.’s father, six-time NBA champion and Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen.
The meeting between the two basketball personalities was one of the highlights of the event, with Pippen Jr. expressing both admiration for Thompson’s accomplishments and amazement at the unique connection they share.
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After learning more about Thompson’s decorated basketball career in the Philippines, Pippen Jr. spoke highly of the former PBA Most Valuable Player and national team standout.
“Yeah, definitely cool. Cool dude. Super accomplished player. Just hearing all the accolades he has is definitely surreal and crazy to see what he has done here. I think it’s also super crazy that he was named after my dad and we are both here years later. So I think it was super cool to meet someone like that,” Pippen Jr. told members of the media.
The interaction served as a symbolic moment that bridged two basketball worlds—one representing the NBA and another representing Philippine basketball—through a shared name that has become iconic in both countries.
Pippen Jr. also reflected on another Filipino connection during his basketball journey, recalling his time at Vanderbilt University, where he played alongside former University of the Philippines standout Quentin Millora-Brown.
WATCH: Scotty Pippen Jr. on his visit to the Philippines, his father Scottie, and Memphis’ upcoming NBA season. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/nYP6aB1hAI
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The Grizzlies guard remembered their years together fondly and spoke about the strong relationship they built during their collegiate careers.
“Me and him played two years together. My third year, he was a redshirt, but really good dude. That’s my guy. I was always a hard worker. I was a smart player, so he is still my guy,” he said
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Beyond meeting familiar faces, Pippen Jr. was able to witness firsthand why the Philippines has long been regarded as one of the world’s most basketball-crazed nations.
From children playing pickup games on neighborhood streets to fans recognizing him throughout his stay, the Memphis guard admitted he was immediately struck by the country’s unwavering passion for the sport.
“I would say just seeing little kids playing outside on the street when I was driving in and just being around my hotel, just seeing how the fans all knew me and just seeing how they had basketball on all the TVs. So I have definitely been able to see how big basketball here is in the Philippines,” Pippen Jr. said.
His comments echoed the sentiments of numerous NBA players who have visited the Philippines over the years, many of whom have praised the country’s enthusiastic basketball culture and the unwavering support shown by Filipino fans.
Although carrying one of basketball’s most recognizable surnames comes with lofty expectations, Pippen Jr. has steadily carved out his own path in professional basketball.
Despite going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, the talented guard refused to let the setback define his career. He signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers shortly after the draft and spent valuable time developing his game with the South Bay Lakers in the NBA G League.
His perseverance eventually earned another opportunity when he joined the Memphis Grizzlies on a two-way contract in January 2024. Since then, Pippen Jr. has continued to establish himself as a reliable contributor, showcasing his playmaking ability, defensive intensity, and basketball IQ while proving he belongs at the highest level.
As his NBA career continues to trend upward, Pippen Jr.’s first visit to the Philippines gave local basketball fans an opportunity to connect with one of the league’s emerging talents, while allowing the Grizzlies guard to experience firsthand the passion that has made the country one of basketball’s most devoted fan bases.
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