I’ve been following the recruitment of Lance Stephenson for the better part of two years and I’m still a little shocked and awed that it’s come to a conclusion. Cincinnati was never in the mix throughout Lance’s recruitment, but became involved in recent weeks, when assistant coach Tony Stubblefield took the lead.
Cincinnati head coach Mick Cronin also has ties to Lincoln High School, having recruited former Lincoln star Sebastian Telfair when Cronin was an assistant at Louisville.
Here now is a timeline of the many twists and turns in the Stephenson recruitment over the past couple of years:
***UPDATED***
July 10, 2009 – Stephenson pleads guilty to disorderly conduct in the groping charge of a 17-year-old Lincoln High student. Agrees to three days of community service and to seek counseling.
June 30, 2009 – SNY.tv breaks the news that Lance will commit to Cincinnati; UC issues a press release confirming the commitment Tuesday evening.
June 29 – The sexual assault case involving Lance and teammate Darwin “Buddha” Ellis is adjourned for a second time until July 15.
June 28 – ZAGSBLOG.com quotes a Big East coach as saying that Lance is on the verge of signing with Cincinnati and that it will happen Tuesday.
June 26-28 – Lance and his family take an official visit to Cincinnati. It’s his fourth official, following trips to Kansas, Maryland and St. John’s.
New York native Doron Lamb says Kentucky is his leader, which is good news for the Wildcats.
