Indys Stamper Will Play in Big 10
J'son Stamper took a trio of official visits this spring, but when all was said and done, he found it difficult to pass up on playing in the Big 10.
Stamper, a 6-5, 230 pound power forward from Independence C.C. in Kansas, committed to Minnesota on Monday. He did so after wrapping up an official visit to the Twin Cities from Apr. 9-11.
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Independence Head Coach Steve Lilly told JUCO Junction that Stamper also took official visits to Duquesne (March 23-24) and Eastern Kentucky (March 25-27). Central Connecticut State and the College of Charleston were also in the mix with the physical forward.
"Minnesota did a good job of making him feel that he would have the opportunity to play right away and be part of a program that will build quickly," Lilly said. "Eastern Kentucky and Duquesne did a hell of a job recruiting him, too."
Of the three programs recruiting, Minnesota belonged to the highest profile conference.
"I know that level was an obvious factor," Lilly said. "The chance to play in the Big 10 was intriguing."
Stamper averaged 13.5 points and 11.6 rebounds per game this past season for the Pirates, who finished 20-13 overall and advanced to the Region VI Final Four in Salina, Kan., last month. He shot 52 percent from the field and 57 percent from the foul line.
"He's all the things that everyone wants in their program -- he's a great person, a tough competitor, a vocal leader and a leader by example," Lilly said. "He possesses intangibles that you don't see when you simply look at size on a roster."
With Minnesota losing Kris Humphries to the NBA Draft, the Golden Gophers will need Stamper's physical attributes in the paint.
"If the Big 10 holds form and continues to be a physical conference, I think that could negate the size issue," Lilly said. "He's such a tenacious rebounder and plays with a lot of heart."
In our opinion, Stamper is a player who becomes less effective as he gets further away from the basket. He can knock down the occasional midrange jumper, but he does his most effective handiwork in the paint and on the glass.
"For us, as the season progressed, he became more of an outside threat," Lilly said. "But his shooting and ball handling are things he needs to work on, especially if he's going to be a four man who can step out and play some three."
A native of the Bronx, N.Y., Stamper is expected to graduate this spring. He will have two years of athletic eligibility at Minnesota.