Red Wolves - IU East

RICHMOND, Ind. - This big man will play a big role in the Indiana University East men's basketball program.

Sean Stevens, a 6-8 sophomore at Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Neb., and graduate of Castle High School in Newburgh, Ind., has signed a letter of intent to play basketball at IU East.

Stevens will join the Red Wolves as a junior for the 2010-11 season.

"I definitely liked the coaching staff, and it's definitely closer to home than where I'm at right now," Stevens said. "I like the competition level, and the academic programs they have available are a definite plus."

Hester expects Stevens to emerge as an interior defensive stopper for the Red Wolves.

"Sean knows his role, and that's why we're getting him," Hester said. "Sean wants to do what it takes to win, and for him that means being a good defensive presence and taking charges.

"For the guy who will be the final obstacle between the opponent scoring or not, he is a charge-taker, and in our system, that's what we want."

Hester says Stevens' style of play will remind IU East fans of past and present Indiana Pacer forwards Antonio Davis, Dale Davis and Jeff Foster.

"I hope he rebounds like the Davises and is smart and plays his role like Foster," Hester said.

Stevens helped Castle High School to a 16-5 record as a senior. Northeast was 14-16 during the 2009-10 regular season.

Stevens plans to major in business. He hopes to own his own company or run the sales department of a company in the future.

Stevens is the son of Ron and Karen Stevens.

IU East is an NAIA Division II program. The Red Wolves finished 14-14 during the 2009-10 season.

Stevens is the second signee in IU East's 2010 men's basketball recruiting class. Ian Enriquez of Lake Station (Ind.) High School signed with IU East in March.