Bean Time in Memphis: Justin Bean Aims For Pro Career

Although he can’t put his finger on the exact moment he knew he wanted to play basketball long after high school, Justin Bean remembers having that desire early on in life. He grew up in a basketball family with a father who had played college ball and brothers who also loved playing the game.

“I just remember basketball being a big part of my life,” said Bean. “But my brothers didn’t really have a burning desire to play after high school. It was pretty early on that I started thinking about playing in college.”

His college journey took him to Utah State University, where the lanky kid from Southmoore worked hard and turned into one of the best players in the Mountain West Conference. Bean racked up a slew of honors, including All-Mountain West Defensive Team, MVP of the Jamaica Classic, and finishing 17th in the nation with 16 double-doubles during the 2019-2020 season.

Bean says it was a strong work ethic that helped him develop into one of the best college players in the country. And that led him to start thinking about playing beyond the college level. The Los Angeles Clippers signed him to an undrafted free agent deal, and he played for that team during the NBA Summer League. The Memphis Grizzlies picked him up, and Bean is spending his first year as a professional athletic playing for the Memphis Hustle, competing in the NBA’s G-League.

“It’s definitely a huge step up in competition,” said Bean. “Everyone on the floor and bench were great players in college, so you have to compete at a higher level. And the game is so much more physical than anything else I’ve experienced.”

Just as he did in high school and college, Bean spends his off time working on his game and getting stronger.

“I think that’s one of the things that has helped me,” said Bean. “I don’t take down time for granted. That’s where you get to improve every area of your game.”

That hard work and determination have made Bean a vital part of the Hustle lineup. He has started or played in all but one of the Hustle’s games this season, averaging 11.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. He’s also averaging 51% shooting on field goals and 39% from 3-point range.

“It feels great to be able to contribute to a team with so many great players,” said Bean. “Memphis is a great organization, and I appreciate the chance they’re giving me.”

The fact that he’s living on the edge of the NBA dream that so many kids hold dear isn’t something that’s lost on Bean. He understands that very few players make it to this level and that to take that final step onto an NBA roster is a huge accomplishment.

“I think that, for the most part, I’m just trying to take in each moment and enjoy it,” said Bean. “Playing back at Paycom in Oklahoma City, for example, is one of those things that will stick with me for a long, long time.”

Away from the game, Bean and his wife are taking time to enjoy Memphis.

“Memphis is a great town with some great things to do,” said Bean. “We haven’t gotten to Graceland yet, but that’s on the list. We did have some great BBQ at a Blues City Cafe on Beale Street. That was a great experience.”

Bean also gave Memphis fans a glimpse of his talents off the court by donning a pair of sunglasses and stealing the show at Memphis Grizzlies’ Rookie Dance Competition. Grizzlies player Taylor Jenkins believes Bean was the winner in a close competition.

“He and Kennedy Chandler were like neck and neck,” said Jenkins. “Just had like five different dances going on at the same time. He was pretty versatile.”

That versatility includes singing, dancing in holiday videos with his wife, and playing the ukulele. Bean loves music but says that, at this point, he’s not looking at his musical talents as a fallback career.

“It’s basketball for me,” said Bean. “I’m all in on making it as a professional, and I’m willing to put in the work to make that happen. Besides, I don’t have any Broadway or music industry connections at this point.”