Catching up with ex-Bearcat Lance Stephenson

Larry Bird referred to Stephenson as the team's "best player" over the summer, and there's a lot of optimism about the prospect of Stephenson maturing on and off the court during what could be a long offseason.

But the 20-year-old who had just one season of college basketball at Cincinnati is also one of the players team officials worry about the most during the lockout because all lines of communication are cut off.

"It's very hard not being able to talk to those guys," Stephenson said. "I like to keep in contact with everybody so I can show them how hard I'm working to be one of the best players on the team and help the team win."

Stephenson is spending most of the summer in Indianapolis to ensure he doesn't let down Bird. He's not living in New York because, as he put it, "there are too many temptations to hang out and get off track back at home. It's all about basketball while living here." (...)

Before the July 1 lockout, Stephenson worked out with assistant coach Dan Burke at Conseco Fieldhouse on a regular basis and has since been training at Ed Schilling's basketball academy and doing strength and conditioning work.

"Everybody thinks I'm immature, but I'm going to prove that's not me," Stephenson said. "I like when somebody puts pressure on me. I take that as a motivation."

Many affiliated with the Pacers organization agree with Bird in saying Stephenson is near the top of the roster talent-wise.

But Stephenson learned last season that there's more to being a successful pro than dribbling a ball and making midrange jump shots.

He didn't handle criticism from his teammates well. He'd counter their comments - some helpful, others sarcastic - by being standoffish.

"I took it as they were trying to pick on a rookie and making me do all the little stuff," Stephenson said. "I didn't want to do stuff like taking Gatorade to the bus, and I used to tell them that. Coming from New York, you learn not to take any mess."

Stephenson's agent, Al Ebanks, is trying to negotiate an overseas contract. Ebanks wants Stephenson to get experience because his NBA experience consists of 114 minutes in 12 games.

"Going overseas is important based on the fact that there's no end in sight to the lockout," Ebanks said.

"The holdup is that we're working on a clause that the minute the lockout is lifted, he can go back to the NBA. He's worked his entire life to play in the NBA."

Stephenson will continue to work out in Indianapolis if he doesn't get an overseas deal.

"The biggest thing with him is trying to improve his handles so he can become more of a true point guard," Schilling said. "I think he can be a solid scoring guard, but in order for him to have more of an impact, I think it has to be as a point guard because his size (6-5, 210) and strength can allow him to be special there."