Pitt basketball hosted a key recruit over the weekend: Phoenix (AZ) Hillcrest Academy wing Shamiel Stevenson (6-foot-6 inches, 228 pounds). Stevenson is a muscular and athletic wing that could make immediate contributions on the court and has a frame built to handle the rigors of an ACC schedule. Stevenson has been a priority 2017 recruit for Kevin Stallings and staff.
“It was great. Probably my best visit. My mother and I both feel very comfortable at Pitt, “said Stevenson. “We both feel that Coach [Kevin] Stallings can help me reach my goals, including making it to the NBA. The situation for me as a player and as a student is almost perfect.”
Stevenson’s host for the weekend was junior Cameron Johnson. Pitt will have four seniors graduating plus additional attrition after the season, and the opportunity for immediate playing time didn’t fall on deaf ears. “Coach Stallings told me four seniors are graduating. That’s a lot of playing time that opens up. He felt that I could come to Pitt and play right away,” he said. “It’s going to be a whole new team next year. I would have the opportunity to compete and potentially start on an ACC team.”
“I was told I’ll mostly be playing, 90% of the time, I will being playing wing but depending on the matchup I could play shooting guard as well. I’ll handle the ball from time to time as well. There are a lot of different ways they can use me.”
Pittsburgh Sports Now previously interviewed Founder and CEO of Nike UPlay Canada Dwayne Washington. Washington described Stevenson as “A Swiss Army Knife” type of player due to his versatility. He also described him as “Charles Barkley if Charles Barkley was in shape.”
Although the official visit was a great success, Stevenson and his family opted to return home and discuss the weekend events. “I’m going to commit within a week, week and a half. We’re in the decision making process right now,” he said.
Harry G. Psaros can be found on Twitter at @PittGuru
