Scottie Pippen: The Basketball Legend and Prince Hall Mason
Written by Rough Ashlar with research assistance from ChatGPT
Scottie Pippen, born on September 25, 1965, in Hamburg, Arkansas, is a name that is synonymous with basketball greatness. Pippen played 17 seasons in the NBA and won six National Championships with the Chicago Bulls. He is regarded as one of the greatest small forwards of all time and is credited, alongside the rest of the 1990s Chicago Bulls team, with popularizing basketball around the world. But Pippen's legacy extends beyond basketball. He is also a Prince Hall Mason, a member of the Unity Lodge No. 454 in Arkansas.
Early Life and Basketball Career
Pippen grew up in a large family of 12 children. His father, Preston Pippen, worked in a paper mill, and his mother, Ethel Pippen, raised the children at home. Pippen's early life was marked by financial struggles, and the family often had to rely on government assistance to make ends meet. Despite this, Pippen was a gifted athlete from a young age and excelled in both basketball and football.
Pippen attended Hamburg High School, where he played both basketball and football. He was a standout player in both sports, and his basketball skills caught the attention of college recruiters. Pippen received offers from several colleges but ultimately chose to play for the University of Central Arkansas. However, he did not receive a scholarship and instead began his college career as a walk-on recruit.
At Central Arkansas, Pippen quickly proved his worth as a basketball player. He was a three-time All-Conference selection and helped lead the team to the NCAA Division II Tournament in each of his four years there. Despite his impressive college career, Pippen was not heavily recruited by NBA teams and was selected with the eighth overall pick in the 1987 NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics. However, he was immediately traded to the Chicago Bulls, where he would begin his professional career.
NBA Career and Legacy
Pippen's NBA career got off to a slow start. He struggled to adapt to the fast-paced and physical style of play in the league and was initially used primarily as a defensive player. However, he soon found his footing and began to excel on both ends of the court. Pippen quickly became known for his versatility, athleticism, and defensive prowess. He was also a skilled passer and ball-handler and could play multiple positions, making him a valuable asset to the Bulls.
Pippen played alongside Michael Jordan during the Bulls' historic run of six National Championship titles between 1991 and 1998. The two players formed one of the most formidable duos in NBA history and helped lead the Bulls to unparalleled success. Pippen was an integral part of the team, both on and off the court, and played a key role in all six championship victories.
In addition to his championship titles, Pippen also earned numerous individual accolades during his career. He was a seven-time NBA All-Star, a three-time All-NBA First Team selection, and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. He was also named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history and had his Chicago Bulls jersey retired.
Pippen's impact on the game of basketball extends beyond his individual accomplishments. Along with Jordan and the rest of the 1990s Bulls team, Pippen helped to popularize basketball around the world. The Bulls' success during that era, and the style of play that they employed, inspired a generation of young basketball players and helped to make the sport more popular than ever before.
Scottie Pippen is not only known for his impressive basketball career but also for his philanthropic work and his involvement in Freemasonry. He has used his platform to support various charitable causes and has been an active member of the Unity Lodge No. 454 in Arkansas.
Charitable Work
Pippen has been involved in various charitable organizations throughout his career. In 1994, he established the Scottie Pippen Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on empowering youth through education and sports. The foundation has provided scholarships to underprivileged students and has supported sports programs for children in underserved communities.
Pippen has also been involved in the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a non-profit organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. He has granted wishes for children to meet him and other basketball players and has donated his time and money to support the organization's mission.
In addition to his philanthropic work, Pippen has also been an advocate for social justice. He has spoken out against police brutality and has supported the Black Lives Matter movement. He has also been vocal about the need for greater representation of people of color in leadership positions.
Freemasonry
Pippen is a member of the Unity Lodge No. 454 in Arkansas, a Prince Hall Masonic lodge. Prince Hall Masonry is a branch of Freemasonry that was founded by African Americans in the late 18th century. The organization is dedicated to promoting brotherhood, charity, and education.
Pippen has not spoken publicly about his Masonic membership, and little is known about his involvement in the organization. However, as a member of the fraternity, he would have been expected to uphold its principles of brotherhood, charity, and morality.
In Masonic lodges, members are encouraged to give back to their communities through charitable work and volunteerism. Pippen's philanthropic work is consistent with these values, and it is possible that his involvement in Freemasonry has influenced his commitment to supporting charitable causes.
Conclusion
Scottie Pippen's legacy extends beyond basketball. He is a philanthropist and a member of the Freemasonry fraternity. His charitable work and his involvement in Freemasonry reflect his commitment to promoting brotherhood, charity, and education. As one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Pippen has used his platform to support causes that he is passionate about and to make a positive impact in his community.