Due to his stint in China Born Ready denied Access to NBA Bubble

by hasanistewart

 

Lance Stephenson is currently training in Indianapolis, but he wishes he were in Orlando for the NBA restart.

The Brooklyn native, who turns 30 in September, was “99 percent” set to sign a deal with the Indiana Pacers before the pandemic hit in March, but was not permitted to sign with the league after spending the first part of this season in China, he and his agent said Friday in a joint phone interview.

“Yeah, definitely, I wanted to play in Orlando,” Stephenson said.

Reggie Brown, his agent with Priority Sports, said Stephenson was on the brink of re-signing with the Pacers in March.

“We were in serious conversations for a third-time’s-a-charm return to the Pacers,” Brown said. “We were offered buyout money from the team in China from the Pacers and we were 99 percent done. And then the pandemic took place, and the NBA decided that no overseas players would be allowed to participate in the 22-team bubble return. They would only take players who played last season or this season in the NBA and/or the G League.”

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Stephenson averaged 26.7 points and 7.4 rebounds with the Liaoning Flying Leopards, with whom he signed a one-year, $4-million deal last summer. But he returned to the U.S. Jan. 24 when the Chinese Basketball Association was suspended after the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, a week before it was scheduled to return following a spring break at the end of the regular season. The league resumed play on June 20.

Stephenson was one of many American players under contract in China who returned to the U.S. because of the virus, but Brown said he is no longer contractually obligated to the Leopards. Chasson Randle, Jeremy Lin, Tyler Hansbrough and Ty Lawson were also in that group of American players in China.

“Anybody who participated in Europe [or overseas], they wouldn’t allow to play [in the NBA], which we understand, safety is first,” Brown said.

“It’s unfortunate because Lance was in a really, really good place physically and mentally, probably the best version of himself that I’ve seen since I’ve been involved with him. I really think the Pacers would have benefited and I think that would’ve been a home run, to return there for a third time.”

Stephenson, who was known as “Born Ready” when he starred at Brooklyn Lincoln High School before a one-and-done year at Cincinnati, last played in the NBA with the Lakers in 2019. He has career averages of 8.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 508 career games. He is perhaps best known for blowing into LeBron James’ ear during a playoff game between the Miami Heat and the Pacers in 2014.

He is currently working out in Indianapolis in hopes of a return to the NBA, ideally with the Pacers, for the 2020-21 season slated to start in December, possibly in a bubble.

“My goal is just to shape in shape, stay working, stay ready for next season,” Stephenson said.

Stephenson said he is open to playing overseas, but his goal is to return to the NBA.

“Lance 100 percent deserves to be in the NBA as a rotation guy, not just on a team,” Brown said. “Whatever role he had in the NBA going forward, he would accept it but he definitely belongs in the NBA. It’s not even close.

“He’s an unbelievable version of himself. His jump shot has improved tremendously. He’s really shooting the ball really well, and I think that was the only missing piece to have a well-rounded game to play the way teams are playing now. You pretty much have to have that three-ball and he’s gotten it and he can defend multiple positions. He can play the one, two or the three and he can play small-ball four similar to Draymond Green, but I think he’ll be a better offensive version of Draymond Green.”

Brown would like to see Stephenson retire with the Pacers.

“I really think this Pacers thing would work out great for him to finish his career there,” he said.

“We went to a Pacers game against New Orleans prior to the pandemic and I just couldn’t believe the reception that Lance received. It was really, really sincere and genuine and I think he has a home there and I think he can really help. I think he brings something different to the table and I think he understands better now from a team perspective what’s expected of him and I think he could finish his career there.”

Stephenson watched the NBA restart games on Thursday night featuring James and the Lakers against the Clippers, and the Pelicans vs. the Jazz.

“I’ve been watching the games,” he said. “They look different but just to be able to play and compete is always a blessing for me. I feel like any situation, I can play in any type of condition.”

Asked what social messaging he would have worn on his jersey, Stephenson didn’t want to pick just one.

“I definitely would wear all the messages that’s on the jerseys,” he said. “I feel that we need stuff like that during this time with what’s going on.”

Added Brown: “I’m sure [Stephenson] would’ve come up with something unique and different.”

Stephenson Comes up for Liaoning in CBA Win

by hasanistewart

NANJING, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) — Lance Stephenson racked up 41 points, 12 rebounds in 36 minutes, helping Liaoning Flying Leopards claim a 111-103 victory over Jiangsu Dragons in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) here on Wednesday.

The star player was in his immense form and kept attacking the paint, making 20 attempts from the free throw line. Jonathan Gibson of Jiangsu scored a game-high 43 points but had a terrible turnover in the last seconds, which buried the team hope of notching the first win in 2020.

Hosts Jiangsu announced their New Year resolution with fierce attack as Gibson shot tough three-pointers to turn up the heat. They led 24-20 into the second quarter and poured on the pressure at defensive end, forcing Liaoning to shoot only seven percent from downtown.

Stephenson and his teammate Brandon Bass who scored 24 points, shooting 10 for 16, stood up to showcase their aggressiveness to help Liaoning prevail 83-79 into the last period and bag their win.

Isiah Deas Leads La Salle to Gulf Coast Showcase Title

by hasanistewart

ESTERO, Fla. — Isiah Deas had 21 points as La Salle narrowly defeated South Alabama 81-76 in overtime in the Gulf Coast Showcase on Wednesday night.

Ed Croswell had 18 points and 12 rebounds for La Salle (4-2). Sherif Kenney added 15 points including five points in the overtime period that helped the Explorers seal the win. Saul Phiri had 14 points for La Salle.

Andre Fox scored a career-high 28 points for the Jaguars (5-3), including a jumper with a second to go in regulation that tied the game and sent it into overtime. Chad Lott added 15 points. Trhae Mitchell had 12 points, seven rebounds and five blocks.

Born Ready Lifts Liaoning Flying Leopards in his First Game

by hasanistewart

Liaoning Flying Leopards had a ready answer for TnT Katropa’s explosive duo of McKenzie Moore and KJ McDaniels in Lance Stephenson as the former NBA player towed his team to a hard-earned 96-91 win in the East Asia League Terrific 12 late Tuesday night.

Jeered by the huge Filipino crowd at the Tap Seac Multisport Pavilion for most of the time, Stephenson answered back by producing an all-around effort of 31 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists in steering the Leopards to the victory and seize the top spot in Group D.

The 29-year-old Stephenson, who suited up for the Los Angeles Lakers just last season, also got plenty of help from fellow import Salah Mejri and the local pair of Tianju He and Mingchen Cong.

Mejri, also a former NBA player who was part of the Tunisian national team that took part in the recent FIBA World Cup, came through with 22 points and 11 rebounds, while He and Cong combined for 20 for the two-time champion of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).

Their effort were more than enough to overcome the combined production of Moore and McDaniels, who scored more than half of the Katropa’s total output.

Moore shot 6-of-9 from three-point range to finish with a game-high of 41 points, while McDaniels, the former Houston Rocket, was good for 32 points.

“We allowed no. 11 (McDaniels) and no. 94 (Moore) to score too much especially from three point (area),” noted Liaoning coach Guo Shiqiang, a two-time Chinese Olympian and long-time national team member.

Stepheson is still feeling his way in with the team, having joined the Leopards during the CBA off-season.

“It was kind of tough for us getting to know each other. But I think as we go forward and get to know each other more, the team will be able to get better because we’re a good team,” said the Brooklyn, New York native.

The Katropa hardly got scoring production from its local crew as Roger Pogoy and Jayson Castro were a combined 3-of-16 from the floor for eight points.

Starters Troy Rosario and Don Trollano joined the team here but were not fielded in by the coaching staff.

The Katropa now face a must-win against Niigata Albirex Basketball on Thursday to have a shot of at least advancing to the semifinals.

“A lot of positives for us,” said active consultant Mark Dickel. “We’ll try to build on this game and hopefully comeback the next game and play a better game again.” (RG)

Stephenson: Set to Play in Super League Tournament In China

by hasanistewart

The TNT KaTropa will square off with Chinese Basketball Association powerhouse squad Liaoning Flying Leopards on the opening day of the Terrific 12 tournament in Macau on September 17.

TNT will have it hands full since Liaoning will have two experienced imports in Lance Stephenson and Tunisian center Salah Mejri, who played four seasons with the Dallas Mavericks.

Stephenson played nine years in the NBA, most recently with the Los Angeles Lakers. Mejri, meanwhile, played four seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 3.4 points and 4.0 rebounds in 204 games.

“Our plan is to win the championship so that momentum will help us as a club heading into the regular season,” Stephenson said in an official statement released to media. “I can’t wait to play in The Terrific 12 with my new teammates. I’m excited to play in such a great tournament this early in the season. It should really help us unite as a team and help me acclimate to this new style of play more easily.”

TNT, though, will face Liaoning shorthanded with Ryan Reyes, Kelly Williams and Anthony Semerad still recovering from various injuries. Reyes has been dealing with a calf injury, Williams has a back problem, while Semerad is still recuperating from an injured shoulder he suffered during their Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series versus Barangay Ginebra.

“If we can win games over there, that would be great, but you know that our preparation is to get the team ready also for the PBA third conference,” Ravena told ESPN5 on Tuesday. “But due to our situation, and the injured players we have, we haven’t practice as a complete team.”

Troy Rosario and Roger Pogoy arrived in Manila Tuesday, along with the rest of Gilas Pilipinas, after their stint in the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China.

Ravena said he will give the two national team members some time to recover, but expects them to see action in Macau.

“Troy and Roger, they need to be well-rested since they are coming from FIBA. We want them to rest since they played several games and have played non-stop since the PBA (Commissioner’s Cup),” he said.

TNT team manager Gabby Cui said their Terrific 12 import, McKenzie Moore, is arriving Wednesday night and will report for practice on Thursday.

The 6-6 Moore won the 2016 NBL MVP award when he played for the Canterbury Rams. He averaged 22.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 3.4 steals per game in 13 games.

TNT’s other import, KJ McDaniels, is a legitimate NBA veteran who averaged 5.3 points and 4.2 rebounds in 148 total games from 2015 to 2017. He played for the Philadelphia 76ers in his rookie season, before moving to the Houston Rockets and later the Brooklyn Nets.

Stephenson Takes his Talents to China

by hasanistewart

LANCE STEPHENSON AGREES TO $4 MILLION DEAL IN CHINA

BY  AUGUST 01, 2019

3,266
Lance Stephenson of the Los Angeles Lakers

After a single season with the Los Angeles Lakers, 28-year-old guard Lance Stephenson has decided to try his luck in the Chinese Basketball Association. Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reports that the wing has agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with Liaoning Flying Leopards.

Stephenson averaged 7.2 points per game in 68 appearances for the Lakers last season but saw a smaller role than what he had seen previously with the Indiana Pacers.

Stephenson had worked out for NBA teams but never gained traction as a free agent during a whirlwind summer where organizations had plenty of priorities and distractions to balance.

Given Stephenson’s ability to contribute at least modestly to a roster, it’s likely that he would have found a home at some point leading up to or throughout the 2019-20 campaign. It’s unlikely, however, that that any late offer would prove to be more lucrative than the deal he’s ended up agreeing to in China.

See the latest Article that NYCHOOPS.NET did on our Program

by hasanistewart

Double-digit offers for Born Ready Elite

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Stacey Davis
Staff Writer

The UA Rise Championship event held in Cartersville, GA led to ten offers for NYC Born Ready Elite 2020 6-9 200lb Forward Mohamed Wague of Frederick Douglass Academy (NY).

The athletic shot blocker and elite rebounder closed out the month of July with offers from, “St Francis (NY), UNC Asheville, Alabama A&M, Fordham, Niagara, UMBC, Siena, Rider, Marist, and Holy Cross,” said Raising Champions Coach Hasani Stewart. On August 4th Wague will take an unofficial visit with Niagara and on August 23rd an unofficial with Holy Cross.

The Mali, West Africa Native arrive in the United States two years ago and quickly absorbed the NYC basketball culture. The forward led his FDA team to capturing the PSAL A Championship title 2018-19. With above average skill set on and off the court he has become the definition of a student-athlete averaging an 80gpa. With a slow start in first learning the English language, the forward was held back one year so his PSAL eligibility has ended. Wague is actively seeking a new school to continue his basketball career.

Orqu21lmplfelbt2yuleTajuan and Takai Simpkins

His Born Ready Elite teammates twins 2022 PG 6-3 160lbs Takai and Tajuan Simpkins Banneker HS (NY) after a great showcase on the road now hold interest from Georgia, Maryland, Rider, Massachusetts, St Francis (NY), Manhattan and Fordham.

On August 11th, fellow Champions guard 2020 6-0 140lbs Kevin Tabb of Thomas Jefferson HS (NY) will be taking a visit and attending Adelphi (NY) elite prospect camp. Concordia (NY) has also shown a strong interest in the guard.

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Brian Stevens Stellar Play Keeps in the Hunt for UA Rise Title

by hasanistewart

In the last stop of the UA Rise Circuit before the live period in Atlanta in July, teams from all over the Northeast and Canada made their way to the House of Sports complex in Ardsley, NY jockeying for position to qualify for the Gold bracket of the UA Rise Championships over the Memorial Day Weekend. There was no shortage of parity in Ardsley, as only 3 teams across all of the age groups left House of Sports with a 4-0 record for the weekend (Northern Kings 17U, Mid-Atlantic Select 17U, and Team Thrill 15U).

At the 17U level, Northern Kings (Canada) moved their overall record to 7-1 behind stellar backcourt play from Kellen Tynes, Kobe Elvis, and Matteus Case. After leading the NPA (Canada’s prep league) in both scoring and steals, Tynes started the weekend off by leading his team to a victory over Crusader Nation with 14 points and 5 steals. Elvis and Case shouldered a heavy scoring load in the team’s next 3 wins, including a combined 52 points (31 from Elvis and 21 from Case) on a combined 8-10 from 3pt range in a hotly contested 80-77 victory over Rising Stars NY.

Mid-Atlantic Select (MD) left House of Sports in a similar fashion moving to 7-1 after an undefeated weekend. They were led by Noah Batchelor’s 12 points and Quinton Mincey’s near double-double in their opening win over Virginia Elite. The star for them over the weekend, though, was frontcourt prospect Matt Rogers who carried the team with 20 points and 7 rebounds (9-13 FG) to hand the NJ Bulldogs their only loss on the weekend.

With 3 wins in Ardsley, NJ Bulldogs moved to 5-3 overall and is now tied for 5th in a logjam in the Anatomix division. Both Mikah Johnson and Malik Austin averaged 14.3ppg on the weekend for the Bulldogs, with Johnson also averaging 6 rebounds per game as well. Austin and Johnson each went off for 19 points to close out the weekend against Virginia Elite.

There were also some noteworthy individual performances at the 17U level:

  • Elijah Perry of Rising Stars NY was the high scorer on the weekend averaging 24ppg, including a 35-point effort in a victory over Crusader Nation

  • Brian Stevens was steady all weekend for Born Ready Elite (NY), averaging 14.7ppg (58% FG & 46% 3pt) and helping them put 2 wins on the board to move to 5-3 overall
  • Taisaun Doherty-Glenn was an absolute monster on the glass for Team Loyalty (MA), averaging 8.3rpg, pulling in 15 rebounds in a hard fought battle against Northern Kings
  • Matt Filipowski more than held his own for Rising Stars NY playing up with the 17U squad, leading the Northeast Regional with 3 blocks per game

While there were no undefeated teams in the 16U level, 3 teams did go 3-1 through the gauntlet that was the Northeast regional.

Corey Graham Elite (NY) was the cream of the crop in Ardsley at the 16U level, reeling off 2 double digit wins against Northern Kings and Virginia Elite. They closed out the weekend with a 7-point win in a back and forth battle with WV Togs, led by Dewayne Vass who finished with 26 points. Sitting at 6-2, Corey Graham Elite has to be feeling pretty good about clinching a spot in the Gold bracket when they get down to Lakepoint in July!

Both Rising Stars NY and Crusader Nation (MD) were able to reel off 3 wins and move to 5-3 overall in a tie for 4th place of the 16U Anatomix division. With 4 league games left in Atlanta, both teams can clinch a Gold bracket berth with a solid showing on Thursday and Friday down at Lakepoint. Kyrie Staten and O’Meech Wilson carried the scoring load for Crusader Nation in their final win of the weekend, while Keyshaun Leslie’s 23 points proved to be the difference in Rising Star NY’s closest game of the weekend—a 68-65 win over Northern Kings.

At the 15U level, Team Thrill (MD) was dominant from start to finish. Thrill sits atop the 15U standings at 8-0 after a 4-0 weekend at House of Sports, with an average margin of victory of just under 25 points per game. Thrill’s balanced attack saw different players put up double digit scoring numbers in each of their 4 wins: Taion Robinson (18pts v. NE6), Sammy Scott (15pts v. NY Gauchos), Carlos Alexander/John Thomas (10pts apiece v. Corey Graham Elite), and Antonio Hamlin (18pts v. New Heights).

New Heights (NY) managed 3 well-earned victories over the weekend against DC Premier, Northern Kings, and NE6. Their lone loss of the weekend came against top dog, Team Thrill. CJ Riley led the charge in a tight 52-50 win over DC Premier, while Tyliek Weeks was the difference with 14 points in a 73-59 victory over NE6.

Northern Kings 15U squad got off to a rocky start after getting stuck in the elevator at their hotel minutes prior to their 9am tip to kick off their weekend. After the fire marshal came to pry open the elevator, Northern Kings rushed to House of Sports for their first game against New Heights, but they fell just short in a 4-point loss. That proved to be their only defeat on the weekend, as they went on to beat DC Premier, Virginia Elite, and finished their trip by beating NY Gauchos 66-61 behind 18 points from Elijah Mahi.

Northern Kings wasn’t the only 15U team from Canada to have a great weekend though. Canada Elite put up their second 3-1 weekend on the 16U circuit led by Dylan Kalambay in the frontcourt. Canada Elite’s only loss of the weekend came in a one-point game against NY Gauchos in their first game on Saturday. They went on to win their next 3 games against Virginia Elite, NE6, and Corey Graham Elite.