Erik Stevenson

BORN: 28/04/1999

LAST TEAM: Cholet Basket (FRA)

HEIGHT: 193 cm

WEIGHT: 93 kg

PRO

• Shooting range
• Movements off the ball
• Versatility

WEAKNESSES

• Character
• 3-P percentage up and down
• Selection shot

VIDEO

EUROBASKET.COM

REALGM.COM

ACTUAL

POTENTIAL

INTRODUCTION

Erik Stevenson played in four colleges -Wichita State, Washington, South Carolina, and now West Virginia- in five years and a continuity never found despite some recognition in the weeks that highlighted his undisputed talent. Last round in the university world under the guidance of coach (newly hall of famer) Bob Huggins in Morgantown to find that leap in quality that can guarantee him a significant career in Europe.

PHYSICAL

Erik Stevenson has a size sufficient to play in any role as a wing, good athleticism, and a propensity for contact without any fear. Remarkable elevation which allows him to contribute in rebounding and occasionally produce some impressive highlights. He sacrifices some foot mobility and is not very fast to play as a handler on a team that loves high tempo

OFFENSIVE PHASE

Erik Stevenson excels in moving off the ball with timing that allows him to gain a sufficient advantage over the direct opponent to take the shot. In the offensive half of the court, he is capable of doing everything in every way: a proficient mid-range shooter when in rhythm, also effective in reading plays to free teammates, able to attack the rim coming off screens – much less so off the dribble, the first step is not decisive – but if he gets into a negative loop, he tends to force shots and accumulate turnovers (a notable 2.2 in just 24′ of play this year) in addition to constantly complaining to the referees, which results in some avoidable technical fouls.

DEFENSIVE PHASE

Erik Stevenson is solid and with a good predisposition in their own half of the field, they can hold up against all types of wingers, although struggling against the fastest tightrope walkers. A valuable help in rebounding (both at Wichita State and at South Carolina, he grabbed just under 5 per game) and capable of securing a steal per game, they are not afraid of physical clashes that can reward them with some breakout plays. They tends to get emotionally charged after a good defense, but, as mentioned earlier, may have some difficulty managing the “chatter” with the referees. It is not uncommon for them to have to sit on the bench due to fouls being called.

IMPROVED AREAS

Bob Huggins’ coaching seems to have had some impact in terms of shot selection as he has the best field goal percentage in his five-year college experience; refining his character will be as crucial as maintaining a less inconsistent three-point percentage. Last year, he boasted an unreal 98.4% free throw rate and, while remaining a reliable shooter, it would be a nice bonus to return to those numbers. The potential is there, and the limit seems to be more mental than skill-related, so the range of what his professional future could be is very wide. He could be a winning-bet.