Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
Cincinnati freshman guard Lance Stephenson has been cleared by the NCAA Eligibility Center and won’t miss any games.
“Clear,” Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin said by text.
Cincinnati was informed early Thursday evening and Stephenson then scored nine points on 4-of-14 shooting in Cincinnati’s 86-58 victory over Saginaw Valley State. He played 18 minutes off the bench.
“I am happy to be able to put this behind me,” Stephenson said in a statement. “Since I committed to the Bearcats back in the summer, all I have wanted to do was get here and start playing ball with my teammates. I want to thank everyone that has given me encouragement and support during this, especially my family, coaches and teammates. They have been with me every step.”
The 6-foot-5 Stephenson was being looked at by the NCAA for amateurism issues. He was involved in the “Born Ready” Internet series and a film called “Gunnin’ For That No. 1 Spot.”
Fellow freshman John Wall of Kentucky must sit two games, including an exhibition, because of his association with an agent, Brian Clifton, who served as Wall’s AAU coach. Wall will also have to repay about $800 related to college visits he took during the time Clifton coached him.
The all-time leading scorer in New York State history during his career at Brooklyn Lincoln High School, Stephenson was named the Big East Preseason Rookie of the Year. He averaged 28.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists last season at Lincoln.
He scored 22 points in 25 minutes in a scrimmage Oct. 24, impressing observers.
“The guy can play offense,” Cronin told the Cincinnati Enquirer. “He’s got a lot of natural, God-given ability. I think our style of play will help Lance.”
Stephenson chose Cincinnati in June, a story first reported by SNY.tv.
The Bearcats were picked to finish seventh in the Big East and open regular-season action on Nov. 16 against. Prairie View A&M.
Stephenson and his teammates will play Vanderbilt Nov. 23 in the Maui Invitational on ESPN.
Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter
Adam Zagoria is a Basketball Insider who covers basketball at all levels. A contributor to The New York Times and SportsNet New York (SNY), he is also the author of two books and is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker. His articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide. He also won an Emmy award for his work on the SNY mini-documentary on Syracuse guard Tyus Battle.
A veteran Ultimate Frisbee player, he has competed in numerous National and World Championships and, perhaps more importantly, his teams won the Westchester Summer League (WSL) championships in 2011 and 2013.
He lives in Manhattan with his wife and children.
Cincinnati freshman guard Lance Stephenson has been cleared by the NCAA Eligibility Center and won’t miss any games.
“Clear,” Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin said by text.
Cincinnati was informed early Thursday evening and Stephenson then scored nine points on 4-of-14 shooting in Cincinnati’s 86-58 victory over Saginaw Valley State. He played 18 minutes off the bench.
“I am happy to be able to put this behind me,” Stephenson said in a statement. “Since I committed to the Bearcats back in the summer, all I have wanted to do was get here and start playing ball with my teammates. I want to thank everyone that has given me encouragement and support during this, especially my family, coaches and teammates. They have been with me every step.”
The 6-foot-5 Stephenson was being looked at by the NCAA for amateurism issues. He was involved in the “Born Ready” Internet series and a film called “Gunnin’ For That No. 1 Spot.”
Fellow freshman John Wall of Kentucky must sit two games, including an exhibition, because of his association with an agent, Brian Clifton, who served as Wall’s AAU coach. Wall will also have to repay about $800 related to college visits he took during the time Clifton coached him.
The all-time leading scorer in New York State history during his career at Brooklyn Lincoln High School, Stephenson was named the Big East Preseason Rookie of the Year. He averaged 28.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists last season at Lincoln.
He scored 22 points in 25 minutes in a scrimmage Oct. 24, impressing observers.
“The guy can play offense,” Cronin told the Cincinnati Enquirer. “He’s got a lot of natural, God-given ability. I think our style of play will help Lance.”
Stephenson chose Cincinnati in June, a story first reported by SNY.tv.
The Bearcats were picked to finish seventh in the Big East and open regular-season action on Nov. 16 against. Prairie View A&M.
Stephenson and his teammates will play Vanderbilt Nov. 23 in the Maui Invitational on ESPN.
Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter
