pic credit: Angel King Media

Ben Stevens (207-F-1999, college: Laurier) is a 26 year old 207cm forward from Canada that is currently playing with CEBL team Montreal Alliance and recently finished his season with the EPG Guardians Koblenz (PRO A) averaging 5,0ppg and 5,5rpg after starting the season with KK Vardar Skopje (FYR Macedonia-Prva Liga) averaging 11.2ppg, 11.7rpg, 2.2apg, 2FGP: 54.4%, FT: 33.3%,. In the 23-24 season he split time with 3 teams with Serhedci PIK Baku (Azerbaijan-ABL): 13 games: 12.5ppg, Reb-2 (11.7rpg), 1.5apg, FGP: 53.0%, FT: 37.9%, in Mar.’24 moved to BK Nova Hut Ostrava (Czech Republic-NBL): 20 games: 5.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 2FGP: 54.8%, FT: 34.2% and palyed with the Central Coast Crusaders (Australia-NBL One) averaging 16.8ppg, 12.4rpg, 1.5apg, 1.5spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 56.2%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 40.9%. He began his basketball career with the South West Slammers (NBL One) averaging 18.0ppg, 12.4rpg, 1.7apg, 1.4spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 8.3%, FT: 41.3%. He began his basketball career with Halifax, NS / Grammar High School and then played at Laurier University (CIS) from 2017-2023 playing a total of 113 games and as a senior averaged 9.9ppg, 8.9rpg, 1.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 52.3%, FT: 44.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Thanks Ben for talking to germanhoops.com. You began the 24-25 season and played briefly with KK Vardar Skopje (FYR Macedonia-Prva Liga) playing only 6 games averaging 11.2ppg, 11.7rpg, 2.2apg, 2FGP: 54.4%, FT: 33.3%. Why was your stay so short and what positives could you get from those few months?

My contract got bought out to move to Koblenz. But in Skopje, I had a leading role, which really helped me grow my post game.

You got experience playing down under with Central Coast Crusaders (Australia-NBL One, starting five): 11 games: 16.8ppg, 12.4rpg, 1.5apg, 1.5spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 56.2%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 40.9%. What of an experience was that. What was your coolest experience there?

I loved playing for the Central Coast! Great club and group of guys. My favourite experience was off the court! I really enjoyed our end of season celebration. I also learned how to surf over there which was pretty cool.

Last season you split time with Serhedci PIK Baku (Azerbaijan-ABL) averaging 12.5ppg, Reb-2 (11.7rpg), 1.5apg, FGP: 53.0%, FT: 37.9%, in Mar.’24 moved to BK Nova Hut Ostrava (Czech Republic-NBL) averaging 5.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 2FGP: 54.8%, FT: 34.2%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being in Europe where you knew that you were far away from home?

My wake up call was the first home game at Serhdci when the arena was jam packed and the Azerbaijan Army came to support us! It was such a cool experience.

You finished the season in the Czech Repulic and played playoffs against top team Nymburk. What will you always remember from that series?

That series was tough for us as we were battling a lot of injuries. Nymburk is a great team and we just didn’t have the manpower to compete. It´s always fun to play against the top teams.

How exciting was that incredible 5 games series against Opava where you won game 5 86-85? What will you always remember from that last game?

That series was unreal! playing in front of those huge crowds was great, drums pounding the entire game and just constant cheering. The home gym in Ostrava is always great to play in as the fans are always there to support. The game winning shot from mike was a surreal moment, we couldn’t have asked for a better ending.

You got your first experience down under with the South West Slammers (NBL One) averaging 18.0ppg, 12.4rpg, 1.7apg, 1.4spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 8.3%, FT: 41.3%. You had great stats and totally different than at Laurier. How valuable was this first pro team for your development as a pro?

That was big for me. At Laurier, I wasn’t the go-to guy, but in Australia, I had to be. That role helped shape my identity as an import and prepped me for the pro grind.

You had a 24/21 game down under. Did you feel like Kevin Love?

Absolutely! That was my first-ever 20/20 game and it felt great.

You played at Laurier University (U Sports) from 2017-2023. How do you remember these years? You reached 2 OUA semi finals. Were these years some of the best in your life?

My time at Laurier is something I will remember for the rest of my life. I made friends that I will keep for a lifetime and some of the most fun I’ve had in my life. I honestly learned how to play basketball there, it’s where I became a man.

You played 5 seasons with the great guard Ali Sow who has played in Germany before. What memories will you always have of him? I´m sure he helped you win a few games on his own?

Ali is an amazing player, he was the reason we won most of our games at Laurier!

You had many great games at Laurier. What was your greatest game and experience on the court?

At Laurier my greatest game was in my second year against Ryerson in the OUA semi final. That one will be one of my top basketball experiences, even though we lost the whole school was out for that game and I had a huge dunk!

How did head coach Justin Serresse groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Justin taught me how to carry myself like a pro, how to prepare, how to work, how to lead. Looking back, I probably should’ve listened even more, because he definitely knew what he was talking about.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Majok Deng?

Me all the time haha

Who the toughest player you battled that reached the NBA?

I played against Jamal Murray in a scrimmage a few times, he is at a different level.

Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Chuder Tenny, Kemel Archer, Kareem Elliot, Ali Sow, Adnan Begovic

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Jordan, Giannis, Curry, Lebron, Kobe

Who is your GOAT?

Michael Jordan

Who will reach the 2025 NBA final and win it?

Minnesota Timberwolves

Thanks Ben for the chat.