With 863 assists in his Colorado State career, 233 more than the previous record holder, Isaiah Stevens left Fort Collins as the best facilitator to ever suit up in the Mountain West. Now working towards a professional career, CSU’s all-time leader in games played, points scored and obviously assists distributed is hoping an NBA team will value what he brings to the table.
Following a workout with the Golden State Warriors on Thursday afternoon, Stevens and other collegiate prospects held a media session to reflect on their experiences. When asked about what he brings to the table, the savvy point guard talked about his play-making abilities being his biggest strength.
“I think the main thing right now that’s NBA ready is just my play-making, organization, command on the floor as a point guard, and also being able to step out and knock down that three ball at a high clip. Being somebody that’s trustworthy from behind the arc,” Stevens said.
A 40 percent shooter from deep over his five years at CSU, “Zay” was always a reliable scorer throughout his time with the Green & Gold. However, coming off of a season in which he shot a career-high 44 percent from deep on 4.2 attempts per game, Stevens really demonstrated his potential in 2023-24.
In terms of where he’s trying to improve, Stevens talked about how he’s working on defending against offenses that attack you with quicker pace, more ball screens and increased intensity. He said you have to be disruptive and always be ready at the point of attack.
As far as his influences go, one player that Stevens is looking to emulate is Tyus Jones. The former CSU star has been working out with Tyus’ brother JD, a skills trainer based in Minnesota, and Stevens feels that the 6-foot-1, 196-pound Wizards point guard is somebody that he can base his game on.
“Just a guard that’s steady day in and day out,” Stevens said. “Somebody you can count on to go out there and produce.”
With about three weeks remaining until the NBA Draft, in addition to the Warriors, Stevens has already worked out for multiple playoff teams including the Nuggets, Clippers, Timberwolves and Kings. They’ve all been a little different according to him. The biggest key, though, has been trying to prove you can impact winning in a variety of environments.
“You don’t have to go out there and try to show anything that you’ve never showcased before on film,” Stevens said.
“Just go out there and be yourself. And for me, that’s a leader, that’s a communicator, a team-first guy with the ball in my hands, who can also make plays off the ball and let others shine as well. So it’s been a little bit different from spot to spot, but I can always count on bringing energy and effort everywhere I go.”
Zay may be done hitting big shots in Moby, but that doesn’t mean he’s done leaning on the people that helped him get to this place in his career. He explained how he’s trusted his college coaches for guidance throughout the pre-draft process and even asked for tips on ways that he can improve.
“I know I can always count on coach Ali, coach Niko, and everybody else back at CSU if I need anything or just want to get some things off my chest. It’s been good having them in my corner.”
Finally, Stevens talked a little bit about Nique Clifford’s decision to return to CSU, and how he’s excited for the Colorado transfer to step into a role as the face of the program. He felt that Clifford would have been in a good spot no matter what decision he ultimately made, but it’s a big opportunity for him to showcase his talents this season with an increase in leadership responsibilities, offensive tasks and more.
“I’m looking forward to just seeing how he molds and shapes this team, because they’re going to have to create their own identity,” Stevens said.
Stevens credited his extra years of collegiate experience to him being more ready for the professional process. It’s going to be fun for Ram Nation to follow these guys in the coming years as they continue their basketball careers at the next level.
