I had a chance to catch up with former New York playground legend Kenny Anderson at last week’s Boost Mobile Elite 24 event.
Anderson was a New York street legend in his day, and he coached current New York star Lance Stephenson in the Boost Mobile game. Stephenson scored 29 points in a losing effort as the Blue team beat the White team, 135-121.
“If I had to guess, I’d say he’s probably more physical and bigger than most of the kids he’s playing in high school,” Anderson said. “He’s talented enough that he’s going to be a top Division I player.”
Is he good enough, and big enough, to play in the NBA right now?
“Yes, he’s physical enough,” Anderson said. “He’s only going to grow a little bit and get stronger, so with the right work ethic, he’s fine.”
Could Lance be a one-and-done?
“Some of these kids have to leave their options open,” Anderson said. “A lot of kids go one-and-done. Some kids can do that. The percentage is low, but some kids can do that.”
Anderson said he’s friendly with Brandon Jennings and consulted with Jennings prior to his decision to play professionally in Europe.
“He’s so skilled, he’s so talented that he’s going to be in the league,” Anderson said. “He’s going to be a big-time guard.”
Anderson joked that Stephenson and today’s players are getting much more attention from the media than he ever got. Lincoln will play at least three games on ESPN this year.
“I had a lot of attention in New York, in the Mecca, that’s it,” Anderson said. “I didn’t have (three) games on ESPN. I got one game on SportsChannel. I got one high school game; we played against Christ the King.”
Anderson is in the process of finishing up his college credits. He will interview in two weeks for the head coaching job at Laurinburg (N.C.) Prep, traditionally a top prep power, and is looking to get into coaching at the college or NBA level. Last year he coached the Atlanta Krunk of the CBA. His business manager for the past 17 years, Bill Diamond, also reports Anderson interviewed for the Color Commentating position at the YES Network to replace Mark Jackson on the Nets games.
