The scoop on Nevada signee Steven Bjornstad

Inquiring minds wanted to know about Nevada's 6-10 signee Steven Bjornstad out of Columbia River High in Washington so we went to Jim Basnight, our prep/college basketball source in the Northwest.

Jim operates the Husky Digest site and possesses the bona fides similar to the old E.F. Hutton commercial that featured the iconic line "When E. F. Hutton/Jim Basnight talks, people listen."

Here's Jim's take on Bjornstad:

"Thanks for asking for my opinion. I'm happy to help you any way I can.

He really looked soft in the title game against Peyton Siva and Franklin, but that is a very athletic and speedy group of kids. Steven's team beat a Bellevue squad that is pretty good though to get there, but I heard that Bellevue went really cold (I didn't see the game).

My impression overall with Bjornstad is that he can shoot the ball, is legitimately tall and can play a very nice role within the right system, but cannot take over games on his own.

Right now he is a dependent player that needs to be set up, but can get hot and has a couple of shots in his game that should get him a reputation as a solid scorer in Nevada.

Rebounding and defense will be more of an effort than teaching him to pick and pop or score in the mid-range. The thing that impressed me the most was his ability to create his shot in the paint, but there will be tougher defense at the next level and he may have to make some major adjustments.

He looks like a kid that could develop his game into a European pro prospect with the right kind of dedication. An NBA career is very unlikely.

Best wishes,
Jim"