NBL brings Scottie Pippen to Australia

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

"This is a massive coup for the NBL to have someone of Scottie Pippen’s standing and prominence in the world of basketball."

Basketball living legend and six-time NBA champion, Scottie Pippen, is headed to Australia to launch the Hungry Jack’s National Basketball League (NBL) season.

A hall of famer and named one of the NBA top 50 & 75 players of all-time, Pippen will be the official ambassador of the NBL’s season tip-off.

“I’m delighted to announce I’m going to be heading Down Under for the first time, to help launch the NBL season,” Pippen said.

“I’ve heard a lot about basketball in Australia and the NBL, and I’ve always wanted to come out and see it for myself.

“Now, I finally have the chance and I can’t wait.”

Pippen will re-unite with his former team-mate at the Chicago Bulls, Luc Longley, and will sit courtside for the opening game between Melbourne United and the South East Melbourne Phoenix on September 28 at John Cain Arena.

“I’m told this season in the NBL will be the biggest yet and to the players: I can’t wait to see what you guys have got,’ Pippen added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Standby... <a href="https://t.co/Zy0T8i8fjT">pic.twitter.com/Zy0T8i8fjT</a></p>— NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1703962954935443496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Pippen’s accolades are extraordinary. He won six championships with the Bulls, including two three-peats (1991-1993, 1996-1998).

Pippen is a 7-time NBA All-Star, 3-time All-NBA first team member, 8-time NBA All-Defensive first team member and 2-time Olympic Gold Medal winner (1992 and 1996).

“This is a massive coup for the NBL to have someone of Scottie Pippen’s standing and prominence in the world of basketball, come out and represent our League and brand,” NBL CEO, Dave Stevenson said.

“From our initial discussions with Scottie, there was genuine interest in coming to Australia and most significantly, he was fully aware, and had great knowledge of the NBL.

“Through his lasting relationship with Luc Longley, Scottie has always harboured an ambition to come out to Australia to see the NBL and his many fans, and we are delighted to be able to help make that a reality this season.

“Scottie is, without doubt, one of the biggest names in basketball and his accolades and achievements are simply unbelievable.”