Stephens is one of the more skilled and quick lead guards in Oklahoma’s junior class. His motor has ran hot and cold during high school viewings this past year, but signs are pointing to him elevating his game for a crucial 17U spring and summer. When locked in, he’s one of the harder guards to keep out of the paint due to his combination of shiftiness and handles. On drives, he’s a creator and has a quality pull up.  He’ll be another Oklahoma prospect in Bryan, Texas with Trae Young’s Gold squad.

A shifty point guard, “DJ” can put defenders on skates with a style of play that is fitting for the more wide open nature of grassroots basketball. His ability to keep the ball on a string, and quickly get into pull up shots makes him a threat. That threat allows him to open the floor for him to score himself and set up his teammates.  The skill level has always been there for Stephens JR, but his AAU and school development course has been a bit up and down.  Now he could be set for a big summer as the lead guard for a talented squad filled with scorers and athleticism.

DJ Stephens is a young player with a high ceiling that will be on full display this Summer. Stephens is a shifty guard that is very dynamic when it comes to creating his own shot off the dribble. With a tight handle and quick pull up DJ is always a danger to get going behind the arc, and as soon as defenses start to overplay the jumper the shifty guard gets crafty attacking the rim with a wide arsenal of finishes to get the job done. Stephens is a player to watch specifically due to his fearlessness and confidence at a young age no matter  who he’s facing there is one thing on his mind, and that’s to get buckets.

A shifty lead guard, Stephens has the change of direction and ball handling ability to get downhill in the halfcourt and pressure the defense. One of the better examples of this came in the second half vs RNJ when he hit the defender with a hesitation move on the wing and glided by him with ease. When he got inside, he’s a heady passer. Either kicking it out to open shooters or creating “hockey assist” opportunities.  His vision to see tight angles and drop off passes to teammates on drives was also impressive. Stephens Jr is still trying to find the balance between playmaking and scoring himself.

The shifty lead guard has improved quickness and handles, allowing him to often to get defenders leaning which creates space for him to attack in the mid-range or get to the rim. While he does have good floor vision, he can try “too cute” passes to teammates instead of scoring himself. Stephens appears to be physically and skill wise maturing into a dynamic attacker but needs more aggressiveness and fire to his game.