Eric Stevenson has played for four different teams over five seasons in his college career, but will make his NCAA Tournament appearance today when he takes on Maryland.
Stevenson began his career at Wichita State for two seasons before transferring to Washington and then South Carolina. He then chose to use his final year at West Virginia.
The senior guard was on his way to the Big Dance during his second season at Wichita State but unfortunately the tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
That alone hurt, but it hurt even more after Washington transferred back home the following year and came no closer to qualifying for the event as one of the worst teams in college basketball.
“I was hot because we won like five games when I was in Washington. We’ve gone 23 wins to 5 and you all know how competitive and win-oriented I am. It was driving me crazy, “They said.
The previous season at South Carolina, Stevenson had more success at 18–13, but his team was unable to do enough to hold the ground. Being able to experience the rush of emotions that the NCAA tournament brings has become a do-or-die situation this year.
He was the first all-season pick to come to Morgantown and why he didn’t look at options outside of college basketball. Now, that time has come.
“It feels like I’ve played a thousand college games. So, I mean, I felt like last year it might be my last game. But I got my year back and I’m glad to end my career there.” going to do where I want to in the NCAA tournament,” Stevenson said.
The third-team All-Big 12 Conference selection has had a mix of ups and downs during his only year at West Virginia, but is playing his best basketball at the right time.
Stevenson had a stretch of scoring 23 or more points in five consecutive games to end the regular season, making him one of only five players to do so in basketball program history. Here’s a list that includes Jerry West, Rod Thorne, Hot Rod Hundley, and Will Robinson for perspective.
Now, Stevenson is hoping to move on to the Big Dance. And of course there is going to be some degree of battle of nerves but that is where his experience comes in handy.
“It’s hard to believe that he’s played for the coaches he’s played for and the programs he’s played for and he hasn’t played in the NCAA Tournament. So hopefully he calms down and plays like He plays any other game,” said head coach Bob Huggins.
Scoring 15.5 points per game and 38 percent from three, both career highs, Stevenson is hoping he can play his part in boosting his goaltending lead compared to the first round. But a tough Terrapins team awaits on the other side in the 8/9 matchup and then No. 1 overall prospect Alabama.
But his teammates have no doubt that Stevenson will be ready. Senior point guard Kedrian Johnson said his backcourt partner will shoot the ball well inside Legacy Arena.
In large part because it’s what he’s sought since wearing the West Virginia jersey.
“It’s the bright lights, it’s the NCAA tournament. Eric is going to make a lot of shots,” Johnson said.
Time will tell if that’s enough for the Mountaineers to keep dancing another day.