The Golden State Warriors recently proved that good genes can go a long way: just ask Steph Curry (son of 16-year NBA veteran Dell), Gary Payton II (son of Hall of Famer Gary), or Klay Thompson (son of 2-time NBA champ Mychal). The future could be twice as bright for Sean Stewart: his father Michael played almost a decade in the NBA and his grandfather Mike almost made the 1972 US Olympic team after being named WCC POY at Santa Clara. Earlier today Sean was named a member of the USA Basketball Men’s U17 National Team…and if all goes well then he will be adding a gold medal to his trophy case next month. HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to chat with Sean about his athletic family and signing with Duke.
You were born/raised in Florida: what is the basketball scene like down in the Sunshine State? We have a lot of great talent down here dating back to guys like Vince Carter and programs like IMG Academy. I think it is the best basketball state in the country.
You received scholarship offers from several great schools including Kansas/Ohio State before committing to Duke last December: what made you choose the Blue Devils? They were my dream school growing up: I was a Duke basketball fan since the 3rd grade.
Your dad has been friends with Duke legend Grant Hill for a long time: does that make it extra-special to be heading to Durham in the months ahead? When they came calling I could not pass it up. I have watched all of Grant’s highlights so it will be great to try to follow in his footsteps.
What makes incoming head coach Jon Scheyer such a great recruiter, and how much pressure is there on him to take over for Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski? There will definitely be pressure but I know that he can handle it, otherwise he would not have taken the job. He knows how to get along with high school players and has been doing it for so long as an assistant coach.
You are part of an incredible recruiting class for next year including Caleb Foster/Jared McCain/Mackenzie Mgbako: how well do you know any of the other guys? I know all of them really well: we have been talking to each other for a long time. Caleb was the 1st to sign with Duke and he helped recruit me, and then we helped recruit the others. We cannot wait to get out there.
Last January you scored 15 PTS but Edgerrin James Jr. (son of Hall of Fame running back Edgerrin James) made a 3-PT shot in the final seconds of a 3-PT win by Olympia: did you think his shot was going in, and where does that rank among the most devastating losses of your career? That is up there. Edgerrin was so hot in the 2nd half and made like 6 shots in a row. I knew that I should have gone over to double-team him at the end but I hesitated. After I saw the shot go up I just started walking to the other side of the court because it was a sold-out gym and I knew that their fans would rush the floor.
You are listed at 6’8”: what position do you play now, and what position will you feel most comfortable at in college? I am like a 3/4 or a “small ball” 5. I can slip into any role they want me to play at the next level.
Your father Michael played almost a decade in the NBA and your grandfather Mike almost made the 1972 Olympic team after being named WCC POY at Santa Clara: who is the best athlete in the family? No question: it is me, by far…especially right now since neither of them can move that well!
Earlier today you were named to the team USA 12-man roster for the FIBA U17 World Cup in Spain next month: do you feel any pressure to be a leader as 1 of the oldest/tallest players on the squad? That is going to be 1 of my big roles. I will have to bring some energy onto the court while leading the younger guys.
What does it mean to you to represent your country, and what would it mean to you to win a gold medal? It is an honor. This is my 1st time playing for team USA: I thought that I had already seen it all in AAU/high school but USA is THE brand. Winning the gold and bringing a medal back to Florida to show it to everybody would be great!