The Denver Nuggets had another wave of workouts Wednesday morning, and among them was Colorado Mesa Mavericks center Ryan Stephan.
The 6-foot-10 senior managed to snag a workout with his hometown team, and is working hard to make the leap to play professional basketball next season.
“Everything takes time, and I’ve always been a late bloomer,” Stephan said, “but I know with time, coaching and work that I’ll make it here.”
Stephan was named Division II National Player of the Year following his remarkable senior season in which he averaged 25.6 points and 11.4 rebounds per game to pair with his nation-leading 23 double-doubles.
“I flourished my last two years in Division II,” said Stephan. “I never had any dreams of playing in the NBA, or anything like that … I just kept improving, kept improving, and agents were all over me when the season ended, so I took a step back, evaluated that, and found a good agent and he got me in here.”
Being from Colorado the opportunity to play for your hometown team is always exciting, and Stephan could end up doing so.
“It would be amazing.” said Stephan. “It would be a dream to make Pepsi Center home, and be a part of this roster.”
Stephan later explained that Chauncey Billups was his favorite Nugget growing up.
The Green Mountain High School graduate just wants a chance to continue to play the game he loves.
“I’m going to take it as far as it takes me, and just enjoy the ride.”
(Featured image courtesy of NBA.com)