Buckskin86
Moderator
Cronin is right coach to keep Stephenson's attitude in check
Michael DeCourcy
rsion
Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2009
Lance Stephenson easily was the most talented player last summer at the USA Basketball trials for the U-18 national team. It was like David Beckham on a Major League Soccer field, or Justin Timberlake doing an *NSYNC reunion. When Stephenson was cut a week later, though, it was obvious that was the only decision the coaching staff could make.
A 6-5 guard from Lincoln High in Brooklyn, Stephenson not only was the best passer and scorer among the assembled pre-college talents, he also led them in scowls, angry gestures and curse words directed at teammates.
Stephenson clearly needed to grow up. Which is precisely the purpose college basketball best serves. Which is why Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin declares Stephenson's past problems interacting with teammates to be "a zero to less than zero concern for me."
Coaching Stephenson is a challenge he will embrace eagerly.
But make no mistake, it is a challenge.
Cronin is confident he can make Stephenson into a team player."Helping young guys channel their energy is something I think I'm pretty good at," Cronin said. "Being a younger coach, it's probably a strength for me. It's all about channeling your energy.
"I love guys that are competitive. I think if our team needs anything, it's a fiery New York City competitor."
Stephenson was the last 2009 McDonald's All American to choose a college. Tuesday, Stephenson committed to Cincinnati over a bunch of schools that leaked to various reporters they were no longer interested but, for some reason, still were endeavoring to contact him as recently as this weekend.
Cronin is right coach to keep Stephenson's attitude in check | Sporting News
Upvote
0