E.J. Stephens is golden

Lafayette transfer E.J. Stephens has made the first Friday of April a memorable one, as he has become the second commitment of the day for Ben Johnson's Gophers.

In four years at Lafayette, Stephens averaged 9.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 26.4 minutes per game with 44.4/33.3/82.5 shooting splits.

As a junior and senior, Stephens turned it on. In his final year as a Lafayette Leopard, he averaged 16.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 32.4 minutes per game and 45.5/32.7/90.4 shooting splits on much increased volume.

TGR spoke with Stephens this week, and this is what he had to say about Minnesota before he made his commitment:

"Coach Johnson is a good dude." I’ve heard nothing but great things about him and I see why. I’m supposed to hop on a zoom call with Coach Johnson and my parents soon. I see Minnesota has had a lot people enter the portal since Pitino left. And I know they’re looking to fill in some holes. But I think they still have some good pieces to make some noise in the Big10 though. I think I could be big impact, acting as a primary/secondary ball handler with the ability to score the ball and create for others. Defense as well, I like to guard, that’s how you win games, getting stops. I have good Athletic ability as well. Playing in a conference like the Big 10 would be great because of the competition, I love to compete."