AMHERST — As he got set to head into practice on Nov. 2, Luwane Pipkins wasn’t thinking much about the previous night’s World Series seventh game.
Pipkins isn’t just from Chicago. Chicago is part of him. UMass coach Derek Kellogg rarely talks about his freshman guard without mentioning his “Chicago toughness.”
Pipkins was happy for his hometown and its fans after the Cubs won the championship. But Pipkins is more of a football fan than a baseball guy and he certainly isn’t someone to embrace a franchise known for its loveable loser history.
There’s nothing lovable about losing for Pipkins and that’s not a secret.
“He plays really, really hard. He doesn’t like to lose,” sophomore teammate Rashaan Holloway said. “He’s got Chicago toughness. You can see where he’s from in how he plays.”
Pipkins likes the characterization.
“Chicago guards have a chip on our shoulder because we’re from Chicago,” he said. “It’s mental toughness. We come out every game and give it our all. Even if we’re down by a lot, we keep going.”
While some of his edge comes from his hometown, a fair amount comes from his stature. At 5-foot-11, Pipkins will be the smallest player on the court in almost every game he plays in college. But he’s been short his whole life. Like many undersized players, he’s had to work harder and longer to be good enough to compete with taller players.
“My whole family is short. My dad is short, my brothers are short. Being short is a disadvantage, but it’s also an advantage. I take it as criticism so I go out and play hard,” he said. “I like proving everybody wrong. With my height, I come out and they think, ‘He’s short, can’t do this, can’t do that.’ I just let them talk. I’ll let my actions do the talking. Being short is my privilege. I like it.”
His height is part of what pointed him to UMass. The Minutemen have never had a strong recruiting presence in Chicago. But Pipkins watched former Minuteman Chaz Williams on TV and liked what he saw.
“I watched their games and really got to see Chaz play. The coaches let Chaz go. I thought it would be a good fit,” Pipkins said when he signed. “Chaz is a great point guard. I loved the freedom he had. The coaches just let him ball.”
Because of their size, Pipkins will draw natural comparisons to Williams. Kellogg said their games are different, but their impact can be similar.
“Chaz had that Brooklyn, New York kind of swag. Luwane has a different swag. He brings that Chicago toughness and a good way about him,” Kellogg said. “Guys want to play with him. I love his energy and toughness. The guys on the team seem to respect him.”
Williams was often in Amherst this summer and worked out with the Minutemen. He and Pipkins have stayed in touch.
“We talk, Snapchat, text a little bit. I asked him ‘How did you do it?’” Pipkins said. “He said to keep putting the work in when nobody is looking and keep being yourself.”
Pipkins wasn’t allowed to play or practice last year because of academics, but he kept his game sharp and has looked like one of UMass’ best players since he was allowed to begin workouts this summer.
“When I think of Luwane, I feel good for the fans,” Holloway said smiling. “They’re going to be in for a treat. He’s a huge addition to our team. I enjoy watching Luwane play. I feel like fans are going to love Luwane.”
Despite the year off and being a freshman, Pipkins has already assumed a leadership role.
“My pops always told me to be a leader,” Pipkins said. “We have a lot of great players, but at the same time, I’m trying to win. I’m trying to be a leader as much as I can. The older guys tell me ‘take control at times.’ I’m always loud, always laughing. Being vocal on the court is no big deal to me. It’s normal.”
Kellogg said even his older teammates have taken to turning to him.
“He’s probably our most charismatic player. He’s has a presence when he walks into the gym. With his verbal skills and his toughness, the guys seem to follow him,” Kellogg said. “To have that as a freshman, it bodes well for our team and our program for many years to come.”
Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. Get UMass coverage delivered in your Facebook news feed at www.facebook.com/GazetteUMassCoverage