'24 Jarin Stevenson is collecting early ACC offers

The last 12-months have been quite the whirlwind for Pittsboro (NC) Seaforth High sophomore Jarin Stevenson. First, the 6-foot-9 forward led his high school team to the North Carolina AAA state championship game. He followed that up by leading his Team United team to Nike’s 15u Peach Jam finals.

“I bring a lot of energy to my team,” Stevenson told On3 after a 30 point, 11 rebound win. “I’ve become a leader. I get buckets and rebounds for my team. I’ve been working on my perimeter game, and that is showing. As a big man, those skills are what make me versatile and what has been getting me looks. I watch a lot of Kevin Durant; his versatility and ability to score the ball at his height is amazing.”

All this success at such a young age has also brought college coaches through the doors. On3 spoke exclusively with Jarin Stevenson about the early stages of his recruitment.

“I have offers from Wake Forest, Virginia, North Carolina, and NC State,” Stevenson said. “I have taken visits to Virginia, NC State, and North Carolina.”

Stevenson talks recruiting

NC State: “They have a great facility. I got to meet the players talk with them a bit. The visit was a great experience. I was at the game they played UNC. I like their culture a lot.

Virginia: “I talked to Coach (Tony) Bennett when I was up there, and I really liked his beliefs. He talked about the five pillars; I stand by those same values. We really clicked. They just beat Duke, so their style works. Fast or slow, I feel like I can play in any system.”

North Carolina: “They have shown me a lot of interest. I have been to a few of their games this season; I think I would fit in with that program. The atmosphere there is definitely different from high school, with so many fans, and it gets so loud. I liked it.”

Stevenson’s take

“Florida State came to watch me play, and we have stayed in touch,” Stevenson said. “I don’t have any other visits set up yet and I’m not sure exactly what I am looking for at this stage. I am trying to take it all in, everything the coaches are saying and the atmosphere on campus. When I get older and start taking official visits my junior and senior years, I will have a better feel of what I am looking for. Right now, I am wide open.”

On3’s take

Jarin Stevenson comes from a basketball family. His mother played at North Carolina, and his father was a 1,500 point scorer at Richmond before playing professionally overseas for ten-plus years. Stevenson is skilled; with good size, he can push the break or shoot the three. While he is still growing into his frame and athleticism, he has good wiggle and excellent hand-eye coordination. Stevenson can take over games; the next step in his progression will be doing it every night.