Lance Stephenson - SF - Abraham Lincoln HS - Brooklyn, NY

were in, were out, were in, were out?

http://www.zagsblog.net/2008/07/03/usa-u18-cuts-to-14-players/#more-305

USA U18 Cuts to 14 Players; Lance & Dom’s Lists
Posted on Jul 3, 2008 9:50 am
The USA U18 team cut three players Wednesday night, and they weren’t much of a surprise. Uncommitted forward Ari Stewart of Marietta, Ga.; Georgetown commit Hollis Thompson, a 6-6 forward out of Los Angeles Loyola; and Tennessee commit Kenny Hall, a 6-8 big man out of Stone Mountain Ga. Redan, were let go, paring the roster to 14. Reeves Nelson,  a 6-7 UCLA commit from Modesto (Ca.) High, is injured and out of the mix as well. Head coach Bob McKillop said they will keep that number until July 7, when two more players will be cut.

New York area players Lance Stephenson, Kemba Walker and Dominic Cheek all seem locks to make the team, barring some unforseen circumstances.

Lance is telling reporters here that his top three schools are Kansas, Memphis and Tennessee, which is different from the list his father recently gave out of Kansas, USC, UCLA and maybe St. John’s. Read more…

From today on Rivals....

http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=823814

WASHINGTON, D.C.- It took Lance Stephenson a little while to get untracked at the USA Basketball U18 National Team Trials, but by the third session Stephenson found his stride.

   

Stephenson is excited about representing the USA.
Implementing more of a streamlined physical approach to the game, Stephenson was simply the dominant force on the court Wednesday night. He bullied defenders with slashing drives to the basket and crashed the boards for rebounds. With less dribbles he made more positive things happen for his scrimmage squad, and in the process found the touch on his jumper.

Stephenson was the first to admit that he had to go through an adjustment period.

"I'm trying to get used to not getting the ball like I'm used to getting it," said Stephenson. "Now when I get the ball I'm trying to finish the play quicker."

He also rejected recent talk that he might take some other route than attending college after next year.

"I'm more focused on school and getting an education. I'm more about learning new stuff and then go to the NBA. Skipping college and going to Europe is something you think about as a last resort when your messing up in school, but I'm doing well in school."

St. John's, Texas, North Carolina and Duke are still in the running to land Stephenson, but three other schools standout at the top of his list.

"Kansas, Memphis and Tennessee, those are the three schools I'm looking at really hard," said Stephenson, who is planning to wait until the spring before committing to a college.

With the trials, practices and then the World Games in Argentina conflicting with the shoe company camps, many prospects declined invitations to play for USA Basketball. Stephenson, however, is hungry for a new experience and excited about playing for his country.

"I'm more about helping the United States," he said. "I'm not about sneakers or the latest Lebron camp jersey. I've already done the Lebron camp and the other camps, so this is a new experience for me."

What can we all conclude?  Nobody really knows what the hell will happen.

This kid is a nut job. If Memphis and WWW are involved, hes as good as theirs.

If he is plans on waiting until the Spring...  Storm'n Norman and staff are going to play a very danergeous game ....

If he is plans on waiting until the Spring...  Storm'n Norman and staff are going to play a very danergeous game ....

??

In the articles on Lance above. . it's indicated that he is going to wait until the Spring to sign...

"Kansas, Memphis and Tennessee, those are the three schools I'm looking at really hard," said Stephenson, who is planning to wait until the spring before committing to a college.

If Norm plans on waiting for Lance to sign and waits on signing any other player until Lance makes a decision. .  that is a very dangerous game...   does that clear it up for you..?     and here I thought SFP was a good school...

In the articles on Lance above. . it's indicated that he is going to wait until the Spring to sign...

"Kansas, Memphis and Tennessee, those are the three schools I'm looking at really hard," said Stephenson, who is planning to wait until the spring before committing to a college.

If Norm plans on waiting for Lance to sign and waits on signing any other player until Lance makes a decision. .  that is a very dangerous game...   does that clear it up for you..?     and here I thought SFP was a good school...

Whats so dangerous about it? Either he gets the kid or he doesnt, not the end of the world. SFP is  great school, its just that I get dumber reading some posts on these boards

I figure Lance will wait until the spring as well - get the best deal including the best coach (or at least knowing if his coach is going to be there.  For all we know, Cal will try his hand at the pros again).  PMG is right, waiting until the spring would be a dangerous game for St. John's.  This isn't the kind of staff or situation that compels a solid 4-star wing to come when he decommits (or late commits) in April and May.

So if we were in the mix with Lance, and didn't get him in April, we'd be S.O.L. and looking at mediocre JC players and undersized scoring point guards and notable late spring blow-up players.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Update on . . . Lance Stephenson- A Father's Perspective

http://northstarbasketball.blogspot.com/2008/07/update-on-lance-stephenson-fathers.html
 
Lance Stephenson has been the talk of America in the high school basketball world for quite some time. The class of 2009 6'6 superstar swingman at Lincoln (NY) has been talked about in New York City for much longer though. Yet even before the NYC circle began to discuss Stephenson, his father saw something in him. Lance Stephenson, Sr. has seen his son progress from a youngster all the way to one of the best players in America. I spoke with Mr. Stephenson at the Steve Nash Skills Academy, where he was taking in the action.

NB: What schools [are] Lance really considering?

LS: UCLA, Kansas, USC, and St. John’s . . . [and] Memphis.

NB: What do you think Lance needs to work on the most?
LS: A little bit of everything. He has an all-around game, . . . so he’s got to keep brushing up on everything, all his tools. . . . It’s not that one thing that I can say he needs to work on, just everything, just keep getting better.

NB: What do you see as the strongest point in his game?
LS: His strength, his agility, he’s real quick, he [has] got good lateral movement, he’s explosive, he’s got the complete package right now.

NB: What do you think helped him get to where he is right now? Other than just having the natural ability.
LS: Just working out, [a] lot of push-ups. . . . It’s a little bit of a mix of everything, natural ability, a lot of hard work, push-ups, pull-ups, dips, . . . a whole lot of advice, information, so he [has] known how to make the right plays from an early age.

NB: When Lance was young, did you see him having the potential to be such a talented player?
LS: Yes, yeah, from day one, I knew that he was going to be a real talented player, just like my other son.

NB: Other than you two, who’s going to be involved in the decision process for college?
LS: My wife, that’s about it. . . . His high school coach [Dwayne “Tiny” Morton of Lincoln (NY)] has a little bit on influence as well.

NB: Is Lance going to eventually make the final decision, or is it just going to be a group choice?
LS: I would say he [is] going to make the final decision. We [are] just going to give him all the information and let him decide what he wants to do.

NB: Is there a school . . . that you favor, that you think Lance should go to right now?
LS: Right now my favorite school is UCLA.

NB: What makes the Bruins standout to you?
LS: Well, the tradition, the conference, the style of play, they let the guards play pretty free.

NB: If not for the NBA age limit, would Lance be going pro next year?
LS: I think if you asked me that question . . . when that times [I would have a better idea], but an educated guess, I would say ‘yeah,’ he’s definitely got all the skills, and after looking at [Thursday’s NBA] Draft, all of those kids, all of the freshman that went, he’s playing against or with before, so we pretty much know some of the good players.

NB: You mentioned all the freshmen. Do you think Lance is a lock to be a one-and-done [player in college]?
LS: No, nothing is a lock, . . . he got to play the games. I wouldn’t say he’s a lock, he still has a lot of work to do.

NB: With all the attention that he’s been receiving since eighth grade, do you ever see it getting to him, kind of . . . bringing him down a little bit, having all that focus on him?
LS: No, nothing [is] bringing him down, he’s still rising. Heading into his senior year he has a lot . . . of accomplishments that he’s already done, wining three [New York] City [championships], two state [championships]. He’s still rising, next year I think will be the icing on the cake.

NB: What are you most proud of Lance for?
LS: Just staying with it, and really not folding, he’s kept the same . . . demeanor all the way through . . . high school. He’s kept the same demeanor, he hasn’t let the media change his game, he still has his attitude, he still has his . . . aggressiveness, and that’s really what I’m most proud of him [for]. He designed his game, and he’s sticking with it.

NB: What [are you most proud of him for] . . . outside of basketball?
LS: What am I most proud of him . . . [for] outside of basketball? I’m proud that he’s my son. I’m proud that he’s healthy. I’m proud that he’s [a] pretty good student in school.

NB: What are Lance’s plans for July during the evaluation period?
LS: He’ll be trying out for the USA . . . 18 and Under team.

The younger Lance Stephenson was by far the most impressive player at the Steve Nash Skills Academy. His play in the five-on-five scrimmage to end the event was fantastic. Lance's father certainly knows of the talent and potential that his son possesses. He definitely is proud of Lance's game, and he should be, as Lance is one of the best player in the United States. I'll make sure that I keep you updated on how things are moving along for the younger Lance Stephenson.

Scouting Report on Stephenson:

Lance Stephenson may well be the best player in America. He has a fantastic all-around game. The Lincoln (NY) stud is even talented enough that his teammates deferred to him at the Steve Nash Skills Academy to run the point in the scrimmage, despite being the only non-point guard on his team. Stephenson '09, a 6'6 swingman, can shoot the rock, with range that extends out to the three-point line. Lance can also get to the hole and has a solid handle. He is a spectacular athlete with great hops, and well-chiseled frame. The NYC phenom seems to have a good work ethic, as he chose to shoot around during the water break in the scrimmage at the Nash Academy. At times, Stephenson can be a bit too flashy. As well, his attitude is something that he needs to work on. He gets frustrated with lesser teammates when they make mistakes and is a bit cocky. Yet, that may well be from being "the man" in the Big Apple for so long. A change of scenery for college may be quite helpful for the gifted ballplayer. Attitude aside, Lance might have the most complete game of anyone in America, including graduating seniors from the class of 2008. Lance Stephenson is the real deal.

Quote from: pmg911 on July 03, 2008, 08:34:13 PM

In the articles on Lance above. . it's indicated that he is going to wait until the Spring to sign...

"Kansas, Memphis and Tennessee, those are the three schools I'm looking at really hard," said Stephenson, who is planning to wait until the spring before committing to a college.

If Norm plans on waiting for Lance to sign and waits on signing any other player until Lance makes a decision. .  that is a very dangerous game...   does that clear it up for you..?     and here I thought SFP was a good school...

Whats so dangerous about it? Either he gets the kid or he doesnt, not the end of the world. SFP is  great school, its just that I get dumber reading some posts on these boards

You just don't get it...   

We aren't Kansas or Noth Carolina who are just reloading every year... and can wait to see if a kid wants to sign...

If Norm waits on Lance Stephenson and then he goes elsewhere..    Norm and staff will once again be looking to find a diamond in the rough late in the recruiting season...   (I think I just experienced deja vu)

Although by the time next Spring rolls around ..  St. John's will undoubtly have one or two extra scholarships to hand out due to transfers... 

Quote from: Marco Baldi on July 03, 2008, 11:33:40 PM

Quote from: pmg911 on July 03, 2008, 08:34:13 PM

In the articles on Lance above. . it's indicated that he is going to wait until the Spring to sign...

"Kansas, Memphis and Tennessee, those are the three schools I'm looking at really hard," said Stephenson, who is planning to wait until the spring before committing to a college.

If Norm plans on waiting for Lance to sign and waits on signing any other player until Lance makes a decision. .  that is a very dangerous game...   does that clear it up for you..?     and here I thought SFP was a good school...

Whats so dangerous about it? Either he gets the kid or he doesnt, not the end of the world. SFP is  great school, its just that I get dumber reading some posts on these boards

You just don't get it...  

We aren't Kansas or Noth Carolina who are just reloading every year... and can wait to see if a kid wants to sign...

If Norm waits on Lance Stephenson and then he goes elsewhere..    Norm and staff will once again be looking to find a diamond in the rough late in the recruiting season...   (I think I just experienced deja vu)

Although by the time next Spring rolls around ..  St. John's will undoubtly have one or two extra scholarships to hand out due to transfers... 

Oh I see. Youre right, its very dangerous!

You can join the Lance Stephenson Come to St. John's Facebook group

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=54478475225&ref=mf.

http://www.zagsblog.net/

Lance, Witherspoon Cut from U18 Team

Quote from: Marco Baldi on July 03, 2008, 11:33:40 PM

Quote from: pmg911 on July 03, 2008, 08:34:13 PM

In the articles on Lance above. . it's indicated that he is going to wait until the Spring to sign...

"Kansas, Memphis and Tennessee, those are the three schools I'm looking at really hard," said Stephenson, who is planning to wait until the spring before committing to a college.

If Norm plans on waiting for Lance to sign and waits on signing any other player until Lance makes a decision. .  that is a very dangerous game...   does that clear it up for you..?     and here I thought SFP was a good school...

Whats so dangerous about it? Either he gets the kid or he doesnt, not the end of the world. SFP is  great school, its just that I get dumber reading some posts on these boards

You just don't get it...  

We aren't Kansas or Noth Carolina who are just reloading every year... and can wait to see if a kid wants to sign...

If Norm waits on Lance Stephenson and then he goes elsewhere..    Norm and staff will once again be looking to find a diamond in the rough late in the recruiting season...   (I think I just experienced deja vu)

Although by the time next Spring rolls around ..  St. John's will undoubtly have one or two extra scholarships to hand out due to transfers... 

How do you know it will take that long? We could have two more open ships in a month for all we know.

Quote from: pmg911 on July 03, 2008, 06:08:29 PM

If he is plans on waiting until the Spring...  Storm'n Norman and staff are going to play a very danergeous game ....

??

grave danger?

is there any other kind?

i guess mckillop could have used stevenson.  this is from about.com:

The United States' under-18 squad lost to host country Argentina in the gold medal game of the FIBA Americas U18 Tournament, 77-64.
Spurred by a supportive home crowd, team Argentina rolled to an early 20-11 lead. Team USA went on several runs to stay in the game, but was never able to recover.

Kemba Walker, who will play for Connecticut this fall, had a game-high 21 points and was named tournament MVP. Malcolm Lee, Travis Releford and JaMychal Green also scored in double figures, and Green contributed a game-high 14 boards.

The loss was only Team USA's second in the history of the U18 Tournament. Their record now stands at 33-2 overall through six tournaments, with four golds medals, one silver and one bronze.

apparently McKillop, and assistant coaches Anthony Grant (VCU) and John Thompson have no idea what they're doing. 
Same goes for the program leader Jim Boeheim.

SFP is a great school, its just that I get dumber reading some posts on these boards.

 Good one marco.. .. some of the "logic" used on these boards is downright hysterical.