He’s currently playing in Hagen, a small town in western Germany, just south of Dortmund. Another American on the team is Bryce Okpoh, who finished his college career at Canisius in 2024.
Stephens credits his time at AU for preparing him for this next chapter, both on and off the court. Head coach Duane Simpkins, a former point guard himself, has a wealth of overseas experience, having played in countries like China, Italy, and France. According to Stephens, Simpkins taught him to be more vocal in his game.
In an email, Simpkins expressed confidence in Stephens’ speed, noting it would give him an edge in Europe. He reminded Stephens to play wisely, limiting turnovers and improving his shooting efficiency, aiming for at least 35% from three-point range. Assistant coach Isaiah Tate, who also has a background in overseas basketball, adds further insight into the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Another former AU standout, Vlad Moldoveau, now works as a sports agent after a successful playing career across Europe. He helps players transition to professional careers, including Nic Lynch, a former player at Lehigh now in Austria. This trend of former college players moving abroad is growing, with many finding success on international teams.
According to eurobasket.com, several Americans have recently made strides overseas. Names like Kyprianos Maragkos, Andrija Matic, and Cheikh Diallo are among those continuing the trend.
Matic, who played until March, shared that AU prepared him well for professional challenges. He appreciated the coaching staff’s focus on skill development and understanding of the game. His current endeavors involve helping youth athletes prepare for college athletics.
On the women’s side, Tori Halvorsen has been playing in Norway, averaging 12.5 points per game. Elina Koskimies, who completed her college career at AU in 2019, is playing in Germany, while others like Karla Vres and Emily Fisher have taken their talents to Sweden and Australia, respectively. The current AU women’s roster features talents from Spain, Ireland, and Italy, showcasing the program’s international reach.
This evolving landscape highlights the pathway for athletes beyond college, emphasizing the increasing global nature of the sport. With more players seeking opportunities overseas, the influence of college programs like AU continues to resonate, guiding athletes as they navigate their professional journeys.
