Scottie Pippen
NBA Hall of Fame • 6× Champion
Before
6'1"
College freshman
Final Height
6'8"
Scottie Pippen became one of the greatest small forwards in NBA history and a key part of the Chicago Bulls dynasty. But college scouts didn't come looking for him out of high school. His story is one of patience, late development, and seizing unexpected opportunities.
Small Town Beginnings
Born in Hamburg, Arkansas in 1965, Scottie Pippen was the youngest of 12 children. His father, Preston, worked in a paper mill until a stroke left him wheelchair-bound when Scottie was young. His mother, Ethel, worked multiple jobs to support the large family.
Growing up in rural Arkansas, Scottie was a good athlete but nothing special. He played basketball at Hamburg High School, but at 6'1" and relatively slight, he wasn't on anyone's radar. No major colleges recruited him. No scouts came to watch him play.
"I was just a country kid who loved basketball," Pippen recalled. "I didn't think I'd ever play in college, let alone the NBA."
The Equipment Manager
After high school, Pippen enrolled at the University of Central Arkansas, a small NAIA school. He wasn't recruited to play basketball — he was a walk-on. Even worse, to help pay for school, he worked as the team's equipment manager.
While other players practiced, Scottie washed their uniforms. While they played in games, he handed out towels and water bottles. He was 6'1", skinny, and seemingly destined to be a footnote.
Some of his teammates didn't take him seriously. "The equipment guy wants to play?" they'd joke. It stung, but Scottie kept showing up to practice, kept working hard, kept believing he belonged.
The coach, Don Dyer, saw something in him. He gave Scottie a chance to practice with the team, then to play in games. Scottie's work ethic was undeniable. But his body? It still hadn't caught up to his dreams.
The Incredible Growth
Then, during his college years, something extraordinary happened. Scottie Pippen grew. And grew. And grew.
Between his freshman and senior years, he shot up from 6'1" to 6'8" — a full 7 inches of growth in college. His wingspan extended to nearly 7 feet. His body transformed from skinny to athletic.
"I couldn't believe it," Pippen said. "My roommate would joke that I grew overnight. My shoes didn't fit. My pants were too short. It was crazy."
With his new height and developing skills, Pippen became dominant. By his senior year, he was averaging 23.6 points, 10 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. NBA scouts who'd never heard of the University of Central Arkansas suddenly started showing up to games.
"Who is this kid?" they asked. "Where did he come from?"
The equipment manager had become the star.
From Walk-On to NBA Champion
In the 1987 NBA Draft, the Seattle SuperSonics selected Scottie Pippen 5th overall, then immediately traded him to the Chicago Bulls. The kid from Hamburg, Arkansas — the former equipment manager — was now a professional basketball player.
In Chicago, Pippen joined a young Michael Jordan. Together, they would form one of the greatest duos in NBA history:
- 6 NBA Championships (1991-1993, 1996-1998) - 7 All-Star selections - 10 All-Defensive Team selections - Olympic Gold Medal (1992, 1996)
Pippen became known for his versatility, defense, and basketball IQ. He could guard any position, pass like a point guard, and score when needed. He was the perfect complement to Jordan's scoring prowess.
"Scottie made me better," Jordan said. "He was the most versatile player I ever played with."
The Lesson
Scottie Pippen's story is about patience and timing. At 18, he was 6'1", washing uniforms for his college basketball team, with zero NBA prospects. By 22, he was 6'8" and a top-5 draft pick.
"Sometimes you just need more time," Pippen said. "Your body develops on its own schedule. You can't force it. You just have to be ready when it happens."
Pippen's late growth spurt gave him the physical tools, but it was his work ethic and attitude that made him great. He never stopped working, even when he was "just the equipment guy." He never gave up, even when no one believed in him.
For teenagers who feel overlooked, who aren't the tallest or the strongest yet: Scottie Pippen's story shows that your time might still be coming. Keep working. Keep believing. Keep showing up.
Because sometimes, the equipment manager becomes a champion.
"Sometimes you just need more time. Your body develops on its own schedule. You just have to be ready when it happens."
— Scottie Pippen
Timeline
Birth
Born in Hamburg, Arkansas
High School
6'1" tall, no major college recruitment
18
Walk-on at University of Central Arkansas, worked as equipment manager
18-22
Grew 7 inches to 6'8" during college
22
Drafted 5th overall by Seattle (traded to Chicago Bulls)
Career
6× NBA Champion, 7× All-Star, Hall of Fame
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Build healthy habits that support your wellness during your growing years.
Download TallerTeen