EASTON, Pa.- The Lafayette men's basketball program and head coach Mike McGarvey have added Eylijah (E.J.) Stephens '21 to the staff as the Director of Basketball Operations.

"We are thrilled to be welcoming E.J. back to College Hill for his first coaching position after his professional playing career," McGarvey said. "He has not only made an impact as an undergraduate here on the basketball court as a First Team All-Conference athlete and 1000 point scorer, but he's also been able to build and maintain strong relationships with the Lafayette community at large. I know he'll be a great role model for our student-athletes and have a positive impact on our program."

Stephens competed in over 103 contests while wearing the Maroon and White, totaling 1,017 points, 307 rebounds and 175 assists in his career. Following his senior season as a co-captain, he earned Second Team All-Patriot League laurels, a NABC All-District 13 Second Team nod and three Lafayette Dean's List awards. The Psychology major was also chosen as the Oaks Leadership "Leader of Distinction." To this day, Stephens ranks 11^th in the conference for his 90.4 free throw percentage.

The Plantation, Fla. native furthered his education as a transfer with the University of Minnesota, playing in all games that winter, securing a Master's in Sports Management.

Stephens continued his athletic career with England's Cheshire Phoenix in the British Basketball League (BBL) from 2023-24. Under head coach Ben Thomas, he helped lead the Phoenix to a BBL Trophy Final victory over the EuroCup powerhouse London Lions.

Most recently, he played for the Newcastle Falcons in Australia's NBL1 East Division during the 2025 season alongside former Leopards Leo O'Boyle '23 and Myles Cherry '20. 

Upon returning to the United States, Stephens acted as an assistant coach for Plantation High School. He assisted in game planning, opponent scouting and player development for the varsity team, ultimately leading to the program's first back-to-back 10+ win seasons in over 20 years.
 

For the latest on the Lafayette College Men's Basketball program, follow the Leopards on Twitter @LafayetteMBB and Instagram @lafayettembb.