SIU Alumni check Former Saluki Kavion Pippen tears up NBA Developmental League

SIU fans enjoyed watched Armon Fletcher, Sean Lloyd and Kavion Pippen battle MVC foes in 2018-19. But all have moved on to the professional ranks to try to make their mark.

Already, Sean O'Brien and Anthony Beane Jr., who played several years ago for former Saluki head coach Barry Hinson, have scored both figuratively and literally in European ball. They both have moved up to relatively well paying hoops jobs in some of the better European gigs. But now three of last season's stars have found professional homes.

Look for 6-foot-6 former All-MVC guard Fletcher and 6-foot-5 All-MVC Defensive Team Lloyd to join European teams to show their stuff.

Fletcher signed with a German hoops team, and the muscular Lloyd inked with the Kangoeroes of Belgium. Fletcher adds shooting to his new team, and Lloyd will show Belgium how to play in-your-face "D."

However, it may be Pippen (whose namesake Scottie played for the Bulls in the NBA) who has a chance to get to the "Show" first of all those. "The Show" is the NBA, and off his performance in the NBA G League a few weeks ago, Pippen may have a chance to eventually move up to a great-paying gig in the United States.

Dakota Smith, an expert on analyzing under-the-radar, undrafted prospects, has tagged Pippen as one of best prospects he saw in last week's NBA G-league invitational.

"Pippen may have been the MVP of the Invitational in the three games he played," noted Smith on his Twitter feed after the game. "He averaged 18.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and shot 60 percent from the field in the tournament."

Smith also likes Pippen's mobility, defensive awareness and low post work after watching 2018-19 film of Saluki games. But there are several factors that Pippen has to work before he can move up the NBA ladder.

"Continuing progress as a shooter must be his main focus," Smith continued in a recent RidiculousUpside.com article. "While a stable mid-range jumper expanded his game at Southern, he must further his range to be viable in the NBA."

It's always a hard task to work up to the big leagues undrafted, but if Pippen can be both an outside and inside presence, then the way to the NBA becomes easier.