Lance Stephenson will make the right decision about where to play his college basketball as long as he follows the counsel of his father Lance Sr.
The Post spoke to father and son at halftime of Tuesday night’s 87-58 St. John’s loss to Syracuse at the Garden. Stephenson is considered the No. 1 recruit in the city and he has narrowed his final choices to St. John’s, Maryland, Kansas, UCLA and Wake Forest. Memphis has been eliminated from contention.
The Lincoln High School star spoke at length about wanting to play for a coach that would push him to fulfill his potential and to play with quality teammates. The father, of course, spoke wisely about wanting a coach that would look out for his son on and off the court and hoping for a secure environment in which his son wouldn’t have to deal with fringe elements such as unscrupulous agents.
“My son is not scared of anyone,” said Lance Sr. “Consider where he grew up – New York City. He’s used to being in the spotlight. He’s used to being approached. But we want the best place for him to be able to go about what he loves to do and prepare himself hopefully for an NBA career.”
Stephenson has visited Maryland and Kansas. He said he liked the up-tempo style of play that Gary Williams runs at Maryland. His father said he liked the small-town feel of Lawrence, Kansas, where it would be difficult for an outsider not be noticed.
An acquaintance of the family bristled at suggestions that the family was looking for a deal. None of the five schools on Stephenson’s final list, which is subject to change, have reputations for breaking recruiting rules.
“That’s an insult to the family,” said the acquaintance, who asked not to be identified because the family wanted to handle the media. “They are good people who believe in earning what they get. If they weren’t from the city, no one would say that.”
Stephenson is expected to make an official visit to St. John’s. He has attended several games as a spectator. One thing that was painfully obvious Tuesday night is that the Red Storm needs another slasher and scorer to break down zone defenses.
“The most important thing to me is find a coach and a staff and teammates that I feel comfortable with,” said the star guard. “I want to go somewhere that I can help a team win.”