The Legend Of Buckets-Bagger Lance

by Zach Smart Lance “Born Ready” Stephenson bags buckets like the rest of us wake up in the morning. For those of us who aren’t hooked on Xanax or Tylenol PM pills, that’s early, often, and consistently. Will Stephenson, a Brooklyn-bred baller who’s got all the tools to put together a one-and-done at Cincinnati this year, live up to the hype? A question of perhaps more importance: Will the kid they call Born Ready be ready once the Bearcats kick-start their season against Saginaw Valley State Nov.5? Conventional wisdom tells us that Stephenson will likely be cleared to play. The biggest issue is whether his online reality show, www.bornready.tv, thwarts his amateur status. The NCAA has not ruled on his status. Stephenson is cleared to play academically, which is why the flashy 6-foot-6 guard/wing has been practicing and scrimmaging with the Bearcats. He’s already developed a rapport with his teammates and is tight with guard/forward Sean Kilpatrick....