Lamar Stevens Represents Penn State Basketball During NBA Workouts: Decision Expected This Week

Lamar Stevens has until Wednesday to decide whether he will stay in the NBA Draft or return to Penn State for his senior season of eligibility. He has worked out for a handful of NBA teams this month, showcasing his talents and learning more about his options for the future.

While it is possible that Stevens could choose a professional path other than the NBA, it doesn’t seem likely at this point. Jermaine Marshall left Penn State for a chance to play overseas, but he ultimately returned to the NCAA with Arizona State a few months later as a graduate transfer.

Tony Carr took his talents to Italy after being drafted in the second round of the NBA Draft a year ago. While Carr and Stevens shared a path to Penn State, every player is an individual; what is right for one may not be right for the other.

Stevens was interviewed following a workout recently and he didn’t give any definitive clues as to which way he is leaning.

Here was what he had to say following his workout with Indiana.

Stevens was asked what his focus was for the workout. His answer was straight-forward. “Honestly just to get feedback and get better. Figure out where I stand and what my next step would be. Just to get better everyday.”

Stevens also pointed out that he can still return to Penn State. He spoke again after working out for the Kings.

When asked about his experience in testing the NBA waters, Stevens had this to say. “It’s been great for me. This is my first time testing the waters so this is really all I know. But I’ve been able to great feedback on my game. Just learn from great coaches and great players, and play against the best competition in the country. This has been great for me just to go through the process, the way that it’s set up.”

Stevens worked out for Charlotte on Sunday. When asked about the specific skills that he has been told to work on, he mentioned, “Tightening up my handles and three point shot.”

When he spoke about what he was able to do well at the NBA level, he talked about his ability to defend all five positions and also his ball handling from the high post. There is no doubt that he has skills that translate to the NBA, it is a matter of whether the time is now to make the move.

It is likely that the next time we hear news from Stevens it will be of his decision. With Mike Watkins already announcing his intention to remain at Penn State for the coming season, it would be a huge boost for the program were Stevens to join him for their senior season.

With the answer coming so shortly, it is pointless to spend too much time reading the tea leaves to try to figure out what he will choose. From the outside, it looks like he is going to return to Penn State. Whether that is what he figures is best for his life and basketball career, we will soon know.