2024 prospect Emmanuel Stephen is the consensus ranked 99th player overall. The seven-foot center’s recruitment has picked up recently and he’s catching the eye of the country’s top programs. He spoke with Burner Ball’s Nickel Hardaway to update his recruitment.
Background
Stephen currently plays for Dream City Christian in Glendale, A.Z. He’s originally from Nigeria and didn’t start playing organized basketball until 2017.
“Moving was hard. I wasn’t playing much and (I was) missing home. It was a lot of mental stuff, like me vs. myself – just showing people I’m good enough. I’ve been working on my offensive game a lot.”
Stephen grew up playing soccer, which he says has helped him with his game.
“Playing soccer has definitely helped with my footwork and being able to move my feet quickly. I’m the best soccer player at my school.”
He was recently praised as one of the top rebounders and rim protectors in the 2024 class by On3’s Jamie Shaw.
“Emmanuel Stephen is a strong-framed and long-armed center. He really broke on the national scene at this summer’s Pangos All-American Camp and kept up the strong play throughout Peach Jam. Going back through film on Stephen from earlier in the Spring, the timing and the shot-blocking was always there. The footer had two games with five or more blocks during Peach Jam, with a game-high of ten. Throughout Nike’s EYBL Circuit play, he averaged 2.4 blocks per game, including an event-leading 3.8 during Peach Jam. Stephen also averaged a robust 9.4 rebounds per game during Peach Jam, which was fourth in the event.”
Breaking Down Teams Involved
Kansas: “Bill Self tells me that playing time and a starting spot wouldn’t be guaranteed, but that I will play. I know Flory is going to Kansas, but they told me to come. I don’t think that changes much. Townsend talks to me a lot.”
Arizona: “Same thing with Kansas. (They told me) nothing is guaranteed, but I’m too good not to play. Carter and Jamari are telling me to come to Arizona. I played with them on Paul George Elite this summer.”
Visit Schedule
Kansas: September 6-8
Arizona: September 28-October 1
Stephen says he plans to take five visits total. Other schools heavily involved in his recruitment are LSU, Miami, Michigan and USC.
“I would say that Arizona and USC are in the lead, then Kansas. Michigan and LSU just came into the picture.”
Commitment Timeline
“I’m going to take my time, but hopefully (have a) commitment around November.”
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