The end of the Born Ready saga
Schools were once dazzled by Lance Stephenson, New York State's boys career scoring leader. Maryland took a long, hard look. So did many others.
But, one by one, schools pulled out of the running. The Baltimore Sun reported on June 15 that Maryland was no longer recruiting him.
Colleges were wary of the recruit in part because of an Internet reality series called Born Ready. Some schools worry the NCAA may question an athlete's involvement with such a site. There was also concern about a misdemeanor sexual assault charge.
But there will always be a suitor for a basketball talent as enticing as Stephenson. And yesterday, Stephenson found his match. He will play for the University of Cincinnati.
"We are very excited about Lance's decision to become a Bearcat," Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin said in a written statement. "Lance has terrific talent as a basketball player, and is also a fierce competitor on the court. His desire to win will help us compete for a BIG EAST Championship."
More from Cronin: "As a big guard, Lance brings playmaking ability and versatility to our team, along with his talent for scoring. We look forward to getting Lance here for summer school and building our team for the upcoming season."
Comments
Good Riddance!!!!!
Posted by: Human | July 2, 2009 9:39 AM
Everybody deserves a chance to make good, and I wish the young man well. But Maryland was not the place for him.
Posted by: Steveg | July 2, 2009 10:31 AM
He'll fight right in with the Bengals!
Posted by: Tom in Bel Air | July 2, 2009 10:33 AM
At first, I was all for Maryland trying to land such a talent. But the more I heard about this kid, I'm glad Gary passed. Like many others, I've been disappointed with the team's results the past few years. But I'd much rather be proud of a clean program then sell our soul.
Posted by: mikepcfl | July 2, 2009 10:43 AM
the terps have come too far & been through too much to take a chance on LS. things are looking up in College Park again, so i'm glad GW passed on the "can't miss" star.
Posted by: jhoback | July 2, 2009 11:53 AM
Good riddance> The potential for divisiveness was very high
Posted by: Larry Rogers | July 2, 2009 11:57 AM
Born Ready must not have heard that Bob (T)HUGgins was no longer at Cincy, fielding a team of ex-cons and future cons.
Posted by: easywriter01 | July 2, 2009 12:01 PM
If Vasquez goes pro, I'm guessing Stephenson is a Terp.
Note: UMD backed of Stephenson immediately following Vasquez's decision.
Posted by: Rbail | July 2, 2009 12:48 PM
I would have liked to get that kind of talent, I would even sell mikepcfl's soul but not mine.
Posted by: will a | July 2, 2009 1:06 PM
It's for the best. I like the guys we've got now. We made it to the second round of the NCAA's last year. We may not win the ACC, but we can do some damage. If Eric Hayes and Cliff Tucker step up and the new bigs bring anything, this is a very good team.
Posted by: Ray in Texas | July 2, 2009 1:30 PM
My soul's been gone since 2002! As big of a fan as I am of the Ravens and O's, it's still Terp basketball that I am most passionate about. Like any fan, all the many disappointments and tragedies were wiped away in 2002. Because of 2002, the recent performance hasnt bothered me much. So I have no soul left to sell after that 1 championship! lol
Posted by: mikepcfl | July 2, 2009 4:46 PM
Still might be a signing before the season starts,but my question is,do we have any scholarships left since Vasquez came back and what is the deal with Goins?He didn't impress me any way at all last year,and I've heard he's gone,and know I've heard he is still here.What's the real deal?
Posted by: Burt from Essex | July 3, 2009 1:08 AM
I have never been so happy to see a top recruit go somewhere else. One TO in football is enough. After the Washington Post tried to link Stepenson to Under Armor it would have been impossible for Maryland to land Stephenson without being under a microscope.
It will be amusing to follow the circus to Cinncinati! Now that Maryland is out of the picture you can be sure the Post will forgo any more investigative reports on this kid. I am a native Washintonion who has the Baltimore Sun as my hometown newspaper due to the unceasing attacks by the post against the Terps.
Posted by: Flynn | July 3, 2009 7:24 AM
LS was going to be a virus on the team and I am so glad he is going elsewhere. His dad may have been another problem. It sounded that it was all for him and not a team player. Thank God is is gone forever. We have the begining of something great. Wait and see. Go Terps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: jack | July 3, 2009 4:16 PM
the program needed LS whether he was a risk or not. he got way too much negative press for a few incidences that should not have been allowed to label him forever like they did.
whichever school he picked [now cincinnati] he has no choice but to show the world what he can do... all game, every day, every game. his rep is at stake and he i feel he could have made things work here at UM.
but good luck wherever he goes.
remember he's just a high school senior, NBA potential or not.
he's barely hitting manhood.
Posted by: space | July 6, 2009 1:51 PM