Basketball legend Scottie Pippen, a six-time NBA champion, is set to launch the upcoming season of the Hungry Jack’s National Basketball League (NBL) in Australia. As an official ambassador for the NBL season tip-off, Pippen, a hall of famer and one of the NBA’s top 50 and 75 players of all time, expressed his excitement about his first trip Down Under.
“I’m delighted to announce that I’ll be heading Down Under for the first time to help launch the NBL season,” Pippen said. He continued, “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 join his former Chicago Bulls teammate Luc Longley and sit courtside for the season opener between Melbourne United and the South East Melbourne Phoenix on September 28th at John Cain Arena. Pippen also expressed his anticipation for the upcoming NBL season, stating, “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.”
Standby… pic.twitter.com/Zy0T8i8fjT
— NBL (@NBL) September 19, 2023
Pippen’s achievements in basketball are remarkable. He won six championships with the Bulls, including two three-peats (1991-1993, 1996-1998). Additionally, he is a seven-time NBA All-Star, three-time All-NBA first team member, eight-time NBA All-Defensive first team member, and a two-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,” said NBL CEO Dave Stevenson. He added, “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.”
Stevenson further emphasised the significance of Pippen’s involvement, stating, “Scottie is, without doubt, one of the biggest names in basketball and his accolades and achievements are simply unbelievable.”
