September 25, 1965

Basketball star Scottie Maurice Pippen was born in Hamburg (Ashley County), the youngest of twelve children. Pippen dreamed of playing college basketball but was only 6’1″ and 150 pounds as a high school senior. As a favor to his high school coach, Pippen was offered a position with the basketball team at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) in Conway (Faulkner County). This offer was not for a playing position but as student manager of the team. During his four years at UCA, Pippen grew to 6’7″ and 210 pounds, and also grew in skill and experience. Used even in his freshman season because of openings on the team, Pippen eventually played all five positions on the team.