In late May, Prep Rally helped introduce Kobi Jordan Stephens-Sims to the world. A precocious and explosive middle schooler, Stephens-Sims has been flagged as one of the nation's most promising 14-year-old prospects.
Now, at least one major college program apparently agrees with that assessment to the degree that they're ready to take the plunge with Kobi Jordan. According to Stephens-Sims' father, Demond Stephens, the 14-year-old has been offered a scholarship to play for Auburn.
If accepted, Sims-Stephens would make up the first recruit in Auburn's Class of 2020. A source close to the Auburn basketball program confirmed the scholarship offer with a Prep Rally source on the condition of anonymity to steer clear of any possible violation of NCAA statutes.
While it's not unheard of for middle school prospects to begin getting the attention of prominent NCAA coaches, landing a full-fledged scholarship offer is another thing entirely. Yet that apparently is what Kobi Jordan has done, with Auburn bolstered by the teen's explosive athleticism and surprisingly reliable jumper.
Add to that the 14-year-old's gaudy statistics from his eighth grade season at Atlanta (Ga.) St. Francis Middle School -- he averaged 36 points and 11 rebounds and eight assists per game -- and all the tools are there for Stephens-Sims to be a breakout star at the next level, particularly at point guard, where the youngster is expected to slot in when he reaches college.
Certainly, the early summer returns have been favorable for both those trends. Rivals.com affiliate RecruitScoop singled Kobi Jordan out for praise after the recent ScoutsFocus All-American event.
Then again, Stephens-Sims still has four years left to develop, or get injured or even lose his love of the game. Such is the risk of offering a scholarship to an impressionable 14-year-old, even one with an impeccable name for basketball stardom.
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