**[Check out the SNY video interview with Tom Konchalski where he discusses Lance Stephenson’s recruitment.]
On Thursday nights I usually like to settle into “The Office” and “30 Rock” on NBC before watching “It’s Only Sunny in Philadelphia” on FX. For my money these are 3 of the best and funniest shows on TV. If you haven’t seen “Sunny,” you better ask somebody….
But tonight I’ll also be watching ESPN beginning at 9:30 because Lance “Born Ready” Stephenson will be on The Worldwide Leader taking on Duncanville, Texas from Dallas. That’s not the deuce or ESPNU, that’s regular old ESPN. Lincoln will appear at least two other times on the ESPN family of networks, and maybe more.
“It tells us we’re finally getting recognized,” Lincoln coach Dwayne “Tiny” Morton told FiveBoroSports.com.
Lincoln (3-0) is No. 2 in the USA Today Super 25 and Duncanville (7-2) is No. 19.
Lance dropped 40 points in Lincoln’s opener against South Shore and then had 34 in a win over Grady of Brooklyn.
“This is it,” Morton told the Daily News. “Lance realizes that senior year is supposed to be your best year. He understands that.”
Lincoln assistant Kenny Pretlow added. “I’ve never seen Lance this focused. He’s not talking much, just going about his business.”
Stephenson is being recruited most heavily by Kansas and St. John’s. The latter had an in-home visit with the family and also hosted Lance on an unofficial. Lance could also opt to head to Europe next year.
**In other programming notes, Seton Hall coach Bobby Gonzalez will appear next week on The Boomer Esiason show; it airs Thursday Dec. 18 at 11 p.m. Also, our old friend Essence Carson of Paterson, NJ, Rutgers and the New York Liberty will be featured tonight on MSG’s “The Game 365” at 11:30.