Colorado State Rams’ valued guard Isaiah Stevens
FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Athletes are thrusted into the spotlight when they perform beyond expectations within a lengthy period of time. Pessimists would often warn those who are overly excited about such a player’s burst that the light will eventually dim and burn out. It is the conventional method of interpretation to comprehend the unexplained because it can be difficult to understand how an athlete goes from dwelling in the swamp of mediocrity to soaring above the entire competition. In the case of Colorado State Rams’ guard, Isaiah Stevens, the meteoric rise was inevitable.
The 6-foot junior is continuing to perform at relatively the same levels from his stratospheric, sophomore year. Last season, Stevens started in all 28 games and averaged a team-high 35.2 minutes per game. He was the team’s second leading scorer with 15.3 points per game and led the team in assists with 5.4 per game. To complement his scoring and passing prowess, he shot the ball tremendously well. Stevens had a field goal percentage of 46.5% while also matching that remarkable feat from beyond the arc with 42.7%. He also had an incredibly high free throw percentage which stood at 86.5% but the real eyebrow raiser is occurring this season.
Stevens leads the team in assists with 63. In fact, he has more assists then the top-5 combined assist providers on the teams. That’s how dominant he has been this season when distributing the ball. He’s making his teammates better by providing them with open looks to the basket. On the defensive end, Stevens also leads the team in steals. He has a total of 18 which is seven more than the second best on the team.
But with these revelatory team-leading stats, they tend to conceal the significant changes in the other statistical categories. Stevens has seen a drop in his field goal shooting percentage where he now shoots at 45.8%. Granted it’s only 0.7% less than last season which is not a frightening concern. Unlike his three-point shooting, where he’s experienced a 10.4% decline. It’s a legitimate cause for concern given that his points per game have also dropped as a result.
The fact that Stevens has seen a decrease in his shooting and scoring numbers doesn’t mean that he doesn’t deserve praise. He’s a valued member of this team as someone who orchestrates the offense and makes plays on the defensive end. His tenacity and eye for the game cannot be taught or instilled from a coaching level. It’s a natural inclination driven by instinct. Stevens understands the game and, more importantly, is aware of shortcomings. He is certainly a prospect that deserves the respect and attention awarded to the most valued members of a team.
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