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'09 NY SG Lance Stephenson (Cincinnati Verbal)

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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.
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Cronin is right coach to keep Stephenson's attitude in check | Sporting News
 
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STEPHENSON LEANS CINCY

Lance Stephenson, a four-time PSAL hoops champion at Lincoln who is involved in a sexual assault case, appears to be headed to Cincinnati after signing a financial aid agreement with the Big East school yesterday.
"Lance has terrific talent as a basketball player, and is also a fierce competitor on the court," Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin said.
Unlike a letter of intent, a financial aid agreement is non-binding, meaning Stephenson can change his mind and colleges can continue to recruit him.
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Stephenson visited Cincinnati last weekend, before his misdemeanor sexual assault case was adjourned until July 15, when opening statements are scheduled. His father, Lance Sr., has said that the guard will be eligible to play as a freshman.
Despite Cincinnati's lack of recent success, Lincoln coach Tiny Morton believes it's a good fit.
"I'm happy for him and he's with a players' coach," Morton said of Cronin, who was an assistant to Huggins and Rick Pitino and helped recruit Sebastian Telfair to Louisville.
Recruiting expert Tom Konchalski said he thinks it makes sense, especially if Stephenson wants to spend only one year in college.
"His options were certainly dwindling, but they play in a major conference," Konchalski said. "It will give him a chance to play close to home a few times a year. If he really wants to be one-and-done, it could be a good place, because he should be able to put up some big numbers right away."


Entire article: STEPHENSON LEANS CINCY - New York Post
 
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