Welcome to A10 Talk’s postseason Top 25 player countdown where we’ll be breaking down the best players in the Atlantic 10 this past year, as voted on by our staff. Each day, we’ll release a new article as we unveil our list. Today, we start with #20 Luwane Pipkins of Massachusetts
What he did
It certainly wasn’t the season Massachusetts fans hoped for, and Luwane Pipkins didn’t live up to his junior year potential. This team struggled to find much togetherness since the start of the season, and unfortunately for McCall’s club, a talented group of transfers and returning players just didn’t mesh well. Pipkins had a shot at A-10 POY back in November, and he certainly had some big nights, including an incredible 36 points against Harvard in non-conference play, but sophomore year was where he really shined. Pipkins saw his three point shooting fall to 28.1% this year after shooting 42.6% last year on an incredible 251 attempts. Pipkins did become a better distributor this season, as he was first in the conference in assist rate. As the season progressed and Massachusetts began falling to the bottom of the league, it started to become clear that Pipkins might look elsewhere to finish his career.
What he’ll do
Luwane Pipkins hinted at his intentions to transfer before the season even ended, and he was one of many Minutemen to pack up and leave the program following the end of the season. Pipkins will transfer to Providence where he’ll be eligible next season. Massachusetts’ quick and talented guard did a lot for this program, especially in 2017-18 where there were hardly enough eligible guys to field a starting lineup. Pipkins has proved himself as a prolific scorer, but as he moves on to join the Friars, I think this is a good move for both parties. The Minutemen will rebuild with a talented freshman class.
Previously: #21 Otis Livingston II
