KAEO LuWane Pipkins (PG-2015)

[xlgman]

Interesting fact: Pipkins was born on 3/10/1996. That day was Selection Sunday. UMass was ranked #1 and about to go to the Final Four. I don't know about you but I think that is really cool.

Next year, his 21st birthday falls on Selection Sunday again.

[Floyd]

Happy Birthday Pip!

[NilesGold]

Interesting fact: Pipkins was born on 3/10/1996. That day was Selection Sunday. UMass was ranked #1 and about to go to the Final Four. I don't know about you but I think that is really cool.

Next year, his 21st birthday falls on Selection Sunday again.

Did you mean his 23rd?

Wow, he's already 22, I graduated college before I turned 22 and he has 2 years left of eligibility. Makes me a little nervous that he might decide to pursue a pro career (likely overseas) after next year.

[minutefanjsf]

Interesting fact: Pipkins was born on 3/10/1996. That day was Selection Sunday. UMass was ranked #1 and about to go to the Final Four. I don't know about you but I think that is really cool.

Next year, his 21st birthday falls on Selection Sunday again.

Did you mean his 23rd?

Wow, he's already 22, I graduated college before I turned 22 and he has 2 years left of eligibility. Makes me a little nervous that he might decide to pursue a pro career (likely overseas) after next year.

Lots of college athletes are older. Reclassifying bumps kids a year. Nonqualifier adds a year. I went to school for five years double major and some health issues and graduated when I was 23. I have a march birthday as well. So Pip is only a year off of that trajectory. He will be 24 when graduates. He had academic issues, which may have affected his hs graduation timeline as well. Who knows?

[NilesGold]

^ I know it’s fairly common, it just surprises me every time... I think Pitney and Sampson were both 25 or close to it when they graduated. For someone like Pipkins who’s already very good but is going to have trouble ever getting into the NBA due to his stature, I can’t help but wonder if leaving after three seasons will appeal to him.

[Roadtrip]

If Pip has any interest in coaching, he may want to stay with McCall. He certainly has a personality that lends itself to both recruiting and coaching.

[Floyd]

March BDAY here as well, but I was long gone from UMASS when Pip was born. Starting to feel old

[MJatUM]

I think next season determines Pips future. I think things like scoring 2k points, getting his number retired (if that first thing happens), playing in the NCAA tournament and graduating from college are all important things to him. I don't think anyone would fault him if he could go make good money playing somewhere after next season though...

[baseline47]

^ I certainly hopes he comes back for another year! But wouldn't blame him if he leaves after next year. I hope he graduates. And, if an opportunity arises for him to turn pro, etc., why not.

[Floyd]

I can't even imagine Pip getting better than he was this season. The progression from last year was one of the biggest I can remember from a UMASS player. Two more seasons and if he keeps improving he'll be one of the best to ever play here. His leadership abilities will be huge for the team going forward, and unless he grows about 8" and averages double digit rebounds, I don't know how much more he can improve on this season. Really was remarkable

[minutefanjsf]

I think next season determines Pips future. I think things like scoring 2k points, getting his number retired (if that first thing happens), playing in the NCAA tournament and graduating from college are all important things to him. I don't think anyone would fault him if he could go make good money playing somewhere after next season though...

If this happens, especially the number retirement, then McCoy should be up there first.

[natwam2547]

Pip ranked the 81st best player in the country according to the who's who at CBS sports. That's a pretty big deal. Great little blurb and video too.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-baske ... 19-season/

[km109]

Hate to be an optimist, but I think that if Coach McCall had a reasonably strong feeling that Pipkins was leaving after this season he wouldn't have taken commitments from a big man and a swing. Just a hunch, but if it was likely he was out the door he'd be looking elsewhere with the scholarship.

[inthescoop]

Pip ranked the 81st best player in the country according to the who's who at CBS sports. That's a pretty big deal. Great little blurb and video too.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-baske ... 19-season/

Oh I love that highlight reel, what a choice.

Hate to be an optimist, but I think that if Coach McCall had a reasonably strong feeling that Pipkins was leaving after this season he wouldn't have taken commitments from a big man and a swing. Just a hunch, but if it was likely he was out the door he'd be looking elsewhere with the scholarship.

This is LuWane's team, I don't see why he would leave. Worst case scenario, he leaves for a team like DePaul his senior year.

[InnervisionsUMASS]

The grad transfer rule puts almost anyone at risk for any reason, even if they are the team leader. It's just the nature of the beast these days.