ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 25, ISSUE 2 37
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"I learned how mental the game was more than what it
was physical, just really how much you have to think the
game and really understand it to be successful," he said.
"This year, I definitely have made some steps and just
understand the game more of what's expected of me, the
flow of the offense and the offense of what Coach Painter
wants. I think some of it just comes with experience, going
through it, and other parts, it's watching film and studying
the game, being a student.
"I think my shot selection last year wasn't as good as it
could have been. That hurt the team. I need to be a better
player overall, affecting the game and bringing more to the
table, whether that's rebounding, defending, getting to the
rim, getting to the foul line, just switching it up."
Now, Stephens is ready to handle the load, he says.
Now, he's ready to be a player counted on to produce
consistently.
Now, he's ready to really breakout.
"I think once I won that (freshman) award, it put more
eyes on me as far as a focal point for the next season. I
wouldn't say it's pressure, but I have a bigger role," Ste-
phens said. "But I'm totally accepting of it. I'm excited for
it. A lot of guys would kill to be in my situation, so I'm very
fortunate, and I'm ready to take advantage."
j
Tom Campbell
Stephens attempted more threes than any other freshman in
Purdue's history, taking 173. His 37-percent shooting also
was a higher percentage than all freshmen but one who
attempted as many in their first season: Current Bulls guard
and Purdue all-time three-point leader E'Twaun Moore (43
percent).
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