Cork Basketball: Brilliant Bob Stephens was one of the best Americans to ever play in Ireland

When people talk about the standard of American basketball players in the 1980s compared to those who operate in the present day, there is always a huge debate as to which era had the better players. 

The answer is simple. The Americans who came here in the '80s hailed from the top Division 1 colleges and many were drafted to different NBA teams, but just failed the final cut. 

If clubs had to try to get that calibre of players today, they simply couldn’t afford to do so. That level of basketballer now heads to the bigger European leagues or even further afield if they don't make the NBA. 

I'm not saying the current American players aren't good players because, in fairness, the standard of the league is much better today, and most teams have very good European players in their roster as well. 

HEAVY BURDEN

However, the players that came in '80s had to carry their teams in scoring, rebounding, and every other aspect of the game. If they had a bad night, they would be sent home and a replacement would be ready to come in. 

In truth, we didn’t know how good these guys really were at that time, because some who were sent home went on to have great NBA and European professional careers.

One of the greatest players from that or any era, Bob Stephens, came to Ireland in the season 1980-'81 after he was finished playing in Germany. He had a Belgian agent who told him about the opportunity in Ireland, but he was not initially very interested.

“I really didn't know they played professionally in Ireland, the weather was not appealing and the population was 98% white.

“However, it did have two things that appealed to me. The family of my college roommate Ed Finn visited Ireland the summer before and had a great time. They spoke English, a big plus as I had been in Germany, Belgium, and Venezuela in towns where they didn't speak much English.

“I initially came to guest in the Roy Curtis International tournament with Blue Demons/Team Britvic. It was a feeling-out process to see if they wanted me to replace one of their Americans and if I wanted to stay to finish the year. 

"I did finish the year, but in my third year, Demons hired an American coach who decided to bring in his own players. I was then approached by the North Monastery Basketball club, who had just won the Division 2 League. 

"I got the chance to team back up with Lennie McMillan, Joe Coughlan, Freddie Richmond and Mick Butler, who I played with in Demons.

“I had a great time and were very unlucky not to win the Division 1 title that year, as we led the League for most of the season, and I really enjoyed my three years playing with the North Mon/Team Harp.

“I enjoyed playing for coach Liam O'Connell. He was a very knowledgeable coach and a great communicator. 

The local players were a nice blend of young and experienced players, who were eager to learn and play hard. 

"The old guard Joe Coughlan, Mick Butler, Francis O'Sullivan, Paul Murphy, Freddy Richmond, Rodger and Tom Kelleher were helped by youngsters Kieran O’Sullivan, Mark Scannell, and more. 

"I think by all accounts those teams would be deemed overachievers. In my time with the Mon, James Wills became a good friend and I enjoyed seeing him on my recent trip back to Cork, along with great friends Joe Coughlan and Michael Butler.

HOME FROM HOME

“I will always consider Cork as a second home as I lived ten years of my formative years there, and I still have many great friends that I appreciate their friendship greatly."

Before Stevens went professional, he had a standout college career with Drexel University. He amassed over 1,700 points, 1,300 rebounds and over 400 blocks, and some of these records are still there to this very day and that why he was inducted into their Hall of Fame.

“I'll close by saying I think I was the most accomplished college player to ever come to Ireland."

He was a three-time honorable mention All-American and four-time MVP. 

"My teams won multiple league championships and Top Four championships.

“In Ireland, I won multiple national titles as a player with Demons, and as player and coach with Neptune/Burgerland, and I won a League MVP award as well. 

"Lennie and myself were the only Americans to play for all three Cork teams, and although there was so much rivalry between the clubs, we were welcomed be each and everyone involved with the clubs."