Colorado State senior guard Isaiah Stevens announced Friday he is declaring for the NBA draft.
Stevens, who holds multiple program records and is second on the team’s all-time scoring list, also left the door open for a possible return to CSU for his fifth season of eligibility.
He announced his intentions on Twitter, saying, “Ram Nation, I can’t thank you enough for all the support you’ve shown me, my family, and my teammates these last four years. I’m sincerely grateful for all the memories and experiences I’ve had as a Ram over my career. After talking with my family and coaches, I have decided to enter my name in the 2023 NBA draft while maintaining my eligibility to return to Colorado State for one more year. Thank you again to all of the fans, supporters, teammates, and coaches who have made my experience at Colorado State so memorable!”
In his senior season, which began with him missing the Rams’ first seven games while recovering from foot surgery, Stevens broke the program’s career assists record. In CSU’s game at Wyoming, he surpassed Ryan Yoder’s mark of 530. He finished the season, and possibly his college career, with 618.
In CSU’s final home game against New Mexico, he broke the single-game assists record with 13. He bettered the record of 12 previously held by himself, Yoder and Rudy Carey. Despite missing seven games, he scored a career-high 465 points to give him 1,774 for his career. Only Pat Durham (1,980) scored more at CSU.
In his senior season with the Rams, Stevens average 17.9 points and 6.7 assists per game.
“We are excited for Isiah’s next steps in his journey,” CSU head coach Niko Medved said. “He has earned this opportunity through his hard work and dedication. We support him and wish him nothing but the best as he goes through the draft process and, when the time comes, decides whether to stay in the draft or return for a final season at Colorado State.”
Stevens was a first-team all-Mountain West selection by both the coaches and the media this season. He was also a second-team all-district selection by the NABC.
His move is similar to that of David Roddy a year ago. Roddy ended up being drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies. If drafted, Stevens would be the second Ram selected in as many years. If he returns to CSU, he could make the career assists record untouchable while making a legitimate run at being the program’s all-time leading scorer.
Tonje will enter transfer portal
Stevens’ announcement came just days after senior guard John Tonje announced his intent to enter the transfer portal for his final year of eligibility.
Tonje, another four-year player for the Rams also announced his plans on Twitter, saying, “… I want to thank Colorado State University for embracing me and showing me love for 4 years. I want to thank my teammates that I have had over the years for the impact they have had on my life. Thank you coach Ali and Medved and the entire staff for believing in me and giving me a chance to play at this level. I would like to thank the fans, supporters and donors for all of the support over the years. With that being said, I have decided that it is best for me to enter the transfer portal, for me last year of eligibility. Thank you!!!”
Tonje averaged 14.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in his senior season at CSU.
Joining Tonje in the portal from CSU is junior center Jacob Jennison. Jennison did not play for the Rams last season due to injury and saw limited action his sophomore year.
