Lance Stephenson has no idea when he will be selected in Thursday’s NBA Draft. The shooting guard from Coney Island has dropped steadily on mock draft boards over the last several months, and is projected to go anywhere from the middle of the first round to early in the second.
“Right now, everybody is just nervous,” Stephenson said. “Trying to see where I’m gonna go.”
Stephenson was viewed as a potential lottery pick when he began his freshman year at Cincinnati last fall. He won the Big East Rookie of the Year award by averaging 12.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists for the Bearcats, whom he led to two wins in the Big East Tournament.
But his stock slipped so much by the end of the season, most NBA observers were shocked that he signed with an agent instead of returning to school for another year. Still, a draft position of 15-20 seemed realistic. That now appears to be a longshot.
“It don’t matter where I get picked,” said Stephenson, who will gather his family for dinner in Manhattan on draft night. “I’m not worried about that. It’s just the opportunity to get into the NBA and show everybody I’m ready for the next step. Since I was a little kid I wanted to play in the NBA. So if they call my name, I’ll be so happy.”
Stephenson doesn’t lack for confidence, the result of a high school career that was the most successful in New York history. At the same time, he recognizes his weaknesses. Stephenson chose Cincinnati over St. John’s because he realized the pressure in his hometown could thwart his development.
“I learned how to be a better leader by going to Cincinnati,” Stephenson said. “I think I grew as a person.”
Stephenson said he knows he must improve to make an impact in the NBA. He has been working out in Las Vegas since the season ended to improve his jump shot, ball handling and conditioning. He said he has lost 16 pounds, and at 6-foot-5, the 19-year-old is ready for the NBA physically.
Some question if he’s ready mentally, based mostly on his entering the draft this year.
“I felt like I was physically and mentally ready for the next level,” Stephenson said. “And I just wanted to show everybody that I’m ready for the next step because I’ve been working hard.”
Stephenson said his family’s finances played a role in his decision. He has a young daughter, whom he calls “the love of my life.” However, he’ll receive much less money if he falls into the second round than he would have as a lottery pick next year.
Additionally, first-round picks are given time to develop. Second-rounders have to prove they belong right away, and are much more expendable. That means the pressure on Stephenson could be greater as a lower pick.
That also means Stephenson could turn out to be the biggest steal of the draft. He is a fierce competitor, and anyone who witnessed his performance against West Virginia in the Big East quarterfinals cannot question his heart or desire to win. He scored 12 of his 19 points in the final 10 minutes.
“I’m very competitive,” Stephenson said. “I always want to win when I get on that floor.”