EXCLUSIVE 1 on 1 Interview with Lamar Stevens

MAPLE GROVE, Minn. – Lamar Stevens looks the part on the court. He plays it impressively as well.

The 6-foot-7, 215-pound combo forward from Team Final stood out among the top players at his position on the spring’s EYBL circuit. He averaged 15.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.4 blocks across 17 games.

What I Saw: The 6-7 listing is a tad generous but not way out of whack. And while he doesn’t offer the height of a traditional four man at the college level, there’s no doubt, for me, that he can play it.

Stevens brings to mind former Hawkeye Greg Brunner, Iowa’s all-time leading rebounder. Both guys are solidly built with very good athleticism. They are quick jumpers with a knack for tracking down the ball as it comes off the rim.

Stevens, like Brunner, runs the floor very well and knows how to fill the lane. He also looks comfortable having the offense run through him from the wing and high and low posts.

Stevens took just one shot outside the paint when I watched. He misfired on a jumper from just away from the elbow. He looked uncomfortable and that will be area for improvement moving forward.

Stevens is a willing and able screener. He’s an effective player without the ball in his hands and when he’s not one of the top two options on offense. That’s valuable with his skill set.

I would love to see Iowa land Stevens and think he could help the front court right away. He possesses a frame built for the Big Ten and an excellent motor to go with it.