New Palestine wing Ian Stephens will join the Indiana roster as a walk-on, according to the Greenfield Daily Reporter.
Stephens shot 59 percent from the field and averaged 15.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and two assists as a senior.
He was named All-Hoosier Heritage conference and helped lead New Palestine to a sectional championship.
“Ian is a kid that can have a huge impact on a game without the ball in his hands,” New Palestine coach Trent Whitaker said recently. “He is a team first guy and makes his teammates better.”
Indiana lost a walk-on, Nathan Childress, this offseason. Childress is graduating from IU and is transferring to Indiana Wesleyan. Walk-on Michael Shipp also graduated.
Steve Heath of the Greenfield Daily Reporter detailed how the opportunity came about for Stephens:
Stephens said the offer came through a connection with Jordan Hulls, the former IU guard who is now IU’s Team and Recruiting Coordinator. Stephens had played for Hulls former AAU team, JH1 Elite.
“Because I played (for his AAU team), he was like, ‘We have a spot and I’ve watched your games before.’ (IU head coach) Mike Woodson had a knee replacement, so it’s taken awhile, because (Woodson) has been out of his office, before getting the final word.”
Update: Stephens issued the following statement on Twitter:
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— Ian Stephens (@Ian_Stephens13) May 3, 2023
Filed to: Ian Stephens