OXFORD — An NBA legend is in Oxford to watch Ole Miss basketball’s game against Texas.
Seven-time All-Star Scottie Pippen sat on the baseline by the Ole Miss bench Wednesday. Pippen played in the NBA from 1987 to 2004 for the Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers. He starred on the Bulls with Michael Jordan and won six NBA championships.
Ole Miss is accustomed to high-profile guests at basketball games. Actor Morgan Freeman has a habit of attending big games when the Rebels play at home.
Pippen picked an intriguing game to attend. The No. 23 Rebels (15-5, 4-3 SEC) are attempting to end a three-game losing streak. Texas (14-6, 3-4) is coming off an electric comeback win against rival Texas A&M in which the Longhorns were down 22 points in the second half.
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Another layer of intrigue in the game comes from Ole Miss coach Chris Beard. He coached Texas for 1½ seasons before being fired following an arrest on a domestic violence charge that was later dropped.
Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at Shutchens@gannett.com or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Scottie Pippen courtside at Ole Miss basketball game vs Texas