Lance Stephenson, shown here during his days at Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, has announced his decision to leave Cincinnati after just one year to enter NBA draft. (Photo courtesy of New York Daily News)Add another name to the long list of one-and-done college basketball players, only this one may not be on the level of players the likes of Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant just yet.
In a surprising announcement this morning, Lance Stephenson has announced that he will forgo his three remaining years of eligibility at the University of Cincinnati to enter the NBA Draft this June, and according to the Cincinnati sports information office, will hire an agent; thus ending the much-hyped Brooklyn native's college career.
"I fully understand and support his decision to continue his development as a professional," said Bearcats coach Mick Cronin after speaking to Stephenson and his family. "We appreciate his efforts on the floor and in the classroom at UC and wish him all the best as he pursues his goals as a professional."
Stephenson, who attributed the decision to being able to provide financially for his family, was named the rookie of the year in the Big East last season; and was the Bearcats' leading scorer, averaging 12.3 points per game. With Stephenson now leaving, both of Cincinnati's leading scorers will not be back next season, as senior guard Deonta Vaughn will graduate next month.
Stephenson is also the third notable Lincoln alum to try his luck in the NBA, joining Stephon Marbury, who was selected fourth overall in 1996 after one year at Georgia Tech, and Sebastian Telfair, who was a lottery pick in 2004 after making the jump from high school.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.