University of Minnesota Athletics
A Stamp On The Program: Forward J'son Stamper
12/13/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
For junior forward J'son Stamper, it's almost as if these words were written just for him. Stamper is a unique type of player, a throwback to an era of gritty play and hard work. He's more of a Detroit Pistons "Bad Boys" guy than a L.A. Lakers "Showtime" guy. When it's time to grab a clutch rebound or lock down a man on defense, no one does it with more energy and passion than Stamper.
The Stamper story starts miles away from the raised floor and the Maroon and Gold motif of Williams Arena, 1,200 miles to be exact. Stamper was raised in the Bronx, N.Y., where "ballers" are aplenty and an unyielding style of play is as important as an accurate jumpshot.
"A lot of people doubt me because of my size. I know in this game you have to be tough, especially at this level. I pride myself on beating other guys up instead of me getting beat up," Stamper said.
That is Stamper's style of basketball. He'll let someone else do a majority of the scoring or receive the attention, he just wants to win. In the words of Dick Vitale, Stamper is a "windex man, baby. He's cleaning the glass."
Stamper isn't afraid to get physical and make sure he comes down with boards, a necessity for a team that lost its two leading rebounders after last season. Is it fair to say Stamper would enjoy grabbing a key rebound more than performing a crowd-wooing dunk or blocked shot?
"Oh yeah, grabbing a key rebound is always the best. A dunk is only worth two points no matter what, but grabbing a key rebound in a clutch game, that's big," Stamper said. Stamper not only gives the Golden Gophers a desperately needed rebounding force, but also gives the team an heightened sense of intensity, said Golden Gopher Assistant Coach Bill Walker.
"J'son had success at one of the top junior college conferences in the country. I believe he was third in the nation in rebounding and was MVP of the Jayhawk Conference. People who follow basketball know how difficult that is. One of the main things we needed to add to our program is competitiveness and there is no one more competitive than J'son," Walker said. "J'son is one of those guys that gets the tough, dirty rebounds because he is tough. He is strong, he pursues and is relentless going after the basketball."
The rough and physical Stamper on the floor is quite different off the court. He is an amicable guy; well-spoken with a friendly smile and a down-to-earth attitude. He stops to say "hi" to staff, signs autographs and, like everyone on the team, volunteers his time at local hospitals and schools. He is the type of player every coach wants in his program, disciplined, talented and motivated.
"You never have to worry about him being on time or practicing hard, he's a great practice player. He's as vocal as anyone at practice, bringing guys in the huddle and telling them it's time to pick it up," Walker said.
Coming out of Manhattan Center High School, Stamper hadn't established himself as a high-profile, blue-chip recruit. He averaged 17.6 points and 12 rebounds per game his senior year. These numbers would propel a player into All-State status most places, but in New York, it takes extraordinary measures to be considered one of the top basketball prospects. That being said, Stamper knew he could play at a higher level of basketball, his only problem now was finding the right place to prove that.
From the hustle and bustle and crowded streets of the city that never sleeps, Stamper packed his bags and arrived in Independence, Kansas, population 9,846. It definitely was a bit of culture shock for the 18-year old, but Stamper felt right at home with the team and style of basketball, he said.
"New York is run-and-gun. New York is known for the point guards and the streetball mentality. Going to Independence, it's more about the shooters and I've always been better at the organized style of basketball more than streetball," Stamper said. Stamper attended Independence for two years, but to say he left an imprint in the school's program would be as much an understatement as saying Michael Jordan was good or Reggie Miller can shoot. Stamper ranks among school leaders in points and rebounds, garnered a plethora of accolades and is the only player in school history to win the prestigious John Pittman Player of the Year Award, which he did last season.
"It (accolades) means something because it's a reward for all the hard work I've put in. I was fortunate enough to get a lot of the attention in junior college, and now I have to work on things here (Minnesota) to get that back," Stamper said.
Despite playing in the Jayhawk Conference, one of the most competitive junior college conferences, Stamper challenged himself to play at a more competitive level. At Independence, Stamper had learned the work, commitment and passion involved in being a collegiate athlete, and now it was time to bring his talents to the big time.
Enter the University of Minnesota. Enter Dan Monson and Vic Couch, who initially recruited Stamper. Enter a program with a storied history, but an undeniably disappointing recent past. So what intrigues a top junior college recruit about the University of Minnesota? "I wanted to go somewhere I felt comfortable and could most help a program. Minnesota was a team in need, and I have that element that they needed. I felt I could bring what I do best- rebounding-to the team and be successful. On my visit, I enjoyed the fellas and coaches. Everyone seemed genuine. I knew I would get some (playing) time, so it felt like a good fit," Stamper said.
Stamper hadn't met any of the other 12 new student-athletes entering the program before he arrived on campus this fall, but he says that things have worked out well. This Golden Gopher squad has played with more eagerness, enthusiasm and desire than teams of the past few years. Because there is not one designated "superstar" on this year's squad, Stamper says that the team has come together more of a cohesive unit, instead of five individuals. And perhaps the most important aspect of this year's remodeled team is that both the players and coaches are having fun, enjoying the game of basketball.
"I love this team, I love coaching them. I've had more fun coaching this team than in my first five years combined. They're a group that wants to win and do the right thing," said Head Coach Dan Monson.
However, despite the inexperience across the "U" roster, team has forged a solid 5-3 start.
"Right now, we're just focusing transferring everything we do together off the court onto the court," Stamper said. "We know we may not have as much talent as other teams, but we're just going to have to scrap and find ways. We're focusing more on defense this year. We're learning coach's philosophy, working hard in practice and hoping that it converts in the games."
While Monson has been experimenting with the starting lineup early this season, Stamper has primarily been coming off of the bench. As the reigning Jayhawk Conference player of the year, it has been a little difficult for Stamper to get used to his new role of coming of the bench, Stamper said. However he is mature enough to understand it's part of the process and if he works hard he'll earn a spot in the starting lineup, Stamper said. In fact, on Dec. 4, 2004, Stamper earned his first start at the "U," against Holy Cross. After committing two early fouls, Stamper only played four minutes of the first half, but the start itself is a testament to how Stamper can expect continued improvement and success if he keeps doing the right things.
As the season progresses, Stamper is continually learning new aspects of being a Big Ten basketball player, both on and off the court. As a fellow post player, senior center Jeff Hagen has been one teammate to help Stamper along, showing him the intricacies of being a post player in the Big Ten. Perhaps Hagen should pursue a coaching career after this season, as Stamper has progressed quickly. Stamper leads the Maroon and Gold in total rebounds and rebounds per game, despite averaging only 17 minutes per contest. Stamper has come a long way to become part of the Golden Gopher basketball family. But through the moving, new teammates and coaches, Stamper's hard work, tough mindset and passion for the game have been constant. Now his knack for rebounding must translate into something more, helping the program rebound back into national prominence.
story by Kevin A. Morales III, athletic communications student assistant "I studied the lives of great men and famous women, and I found that the men and women who got to the top were those who did the jobs they had in hand, with everything they had of energy and enthusiasm and hard work"- Harry S. Truman.
For junior forward J'son Stamper, it's almost as if these words were written just for him. Stamper is a unique type of player, a throwback to an era of gritty play and hard work. He's more of a Detroit Pistons "Bad Boys" guy than a L.A. Lakers "Showtime" guy. When it's time to grab a clutch rebound or lock down a man on defense, no one does it with more energy and passion than Stamper.
The Stamper story starts miles away from the raised floor and the Maroon and Gold motif of Williams Arena, 1,200 miles to be exact. Stamper was raised in the Bronx, N.Y., where "ballers" are aplenty and an unyielding style of play is as important as an accurate jumpshot.
"A lot of people doubt me because of my size. I know in this game you have to be tough, especially at this level. I pride myself on beating other guys up instead of me getting beat up," Stamper said.
That is Stamper's style of basketball. He'll let someone else do a majority of the scoring or receive the attention, he just wants to win. In the words of Dick Vitale, Stamper is a "windex man, baby. He's cleaning the glass."
Stamper isn't afraid to get physical and make sure he comes down with boards, a necessity for a team that lost its two leading rebounders after last season. Is it fair to say Stamper would enjoy grabbing a key rebound more than performing a crowd-wooing dunk or blocked shot?
"Oh yeah, grabbing a key rebound is always the best. A dunk is only worth two points no matter what, but grabbing a key rebound in a clutch game, that's big," Stamper said. Stamper not only gives the Golden Gophers a desperately needed rebounding force, but also gives the team an heightened sense of intensity, said Golden Gopher Assistant Coach Bill Walker.
"J'son had success at one of the top junior college conferences in the country. I believe he was third in the nation in rebounding and was MVP of the Jayhawk Conference. People who follow basketball know how difficult that is. One of the main things we needed to add to our program is competitiveness and there is no one more competitive than J'son," Walker said. "J'son is one of those guys that gets the tough, dirty rebounds because he is tough. He is strong, he pursues and is relentless going after the basketball."
The rough and physical Stamper on the floor is quite different off the court. He is an amicable guy; well-spoken with a friendly smile and a down-to-earth attitude. He stops to say "hi" to staff, signs autographs and, like everyone on the team, volunteers his time at local hospitals and schools. He is the type of player every coach wants in his program, disciplined, talented and motivated.
"You never have to worry about him being on time or practicing hard, he's a great practice player. He's as vocal as anyone at practice, bringing guys in the huddle and telling them it's time to pick it up," Walker said.
Coming out of Manhattan Center High School, Stamper hadn't established himself as a high-profile, blue-chip recruit. He averaged 17.6 points and 12 rebounds per game his senior year. These numbers would propel a player into All-State status most places, but in New York, it takes extraordinary measures to be considered one of the top basketball prospects. That being said, Stamper knew he could play at a higher level of basketball, his only problem now was finding the right place to prove that.
From the hustle and bustle and crowded streets of the city that never sleeps, Stamper packed his bags and arrived in Independence, Kansas, population 9,846. It definitely was a bit of culture shock for the 18-year old, but Stamper felt right at home with the team and style of basketball, he said.
"New York is run-and-gun. New York is known for the point guards and the streetball mentality. Going to Independence, it's more about the shooters and I've always been better at the organized style of basketball more than streetball," Stamper said. Stamper attended Independence for two years, but to say he left an imprint in the school's program would be as much an understatement as saying Michael Jordan was good or Reggie Miller can shoot. Stamper ranks among school leaders in points and rebounds, garnered a plethora of accolades and is the only player in school history to win the prestigious John Pittman Player of the Year Award, which he did last season.
"It (accolades) means something because it's a reward for all the hard work I've put in. I was fortunate enough to get a lot of the attention in junior college, and now I have to work on things here (Minnesota) to get that back," Stamper said.
Despite playing in the Jayhawk Conference, one of the most competitive junior college conferences, Stamper challenged himself to play at a more competitive level. At Independence, Stamper had learned the work, commitment and passion involved in being a collegiate athlete, and now it was time to bring his talents to the big time.
Enter the University of Minnesota. Enter Dan Monson and Vic Couch, who initially recruited Stamper. Enter a program with a storied history, but an undeniably disappointing recent past. So what intrigues a top junior college recruit about the University of Minnesota? "I wanted to go somewhere I felt comfortable and could most help a program. Minnesota was a team in need, and I have that element that they needed. I felt I could bring what I do best- rebounding-to the team and be successful. On my visit, I enjoyed the fellas and coaches. Everyone seemed genuine. I knew I would get some (playing) time, so it felt like a good fit," Stamper said.
Stamper hadn't met any of the other 12 new student-athletes entering the program before he arrived on campus this fall, but he says that things have worked out well. This Golden Gopher squad has played with more eagerness, enthusiasm and desire than teams of the past few years. Because there is not one designated "superstar" on this year's squad, Stamper says that the team has come together more of a cohesive unit, instead of five individuals. And perhaps the most important aspect of this year's remodeled team is that both the players and coaches are having fun, enjoying the game of basketball.
"I love this team, I love coaching them. I've had more fun coaching this team than in my first five years combined. They're a group that wants to win and do the right thing," said Head Coach Dan Monson.
However, despite the inexperience across the "U" roster, team has forged a solid 5-3 start.
"Right now, we're just focusing transferring everything we do together off the court onto the court," Stamper said. "We know we may not have as much talent as other teams, but we're just going to have to scrap and find ways. We're focusing more on defense this year. We're learning coach's philosophy, working hard in practice and hoping that it converts in the games."
While Monson has been experimenting with the starting lineup early this season, Stamper has primarily been coming off of the bench. As the reigning Jayhawk Conference player of the year, it has been a little difficult for Stamper to get used to his new role of coming of the bench, Stamper said. However he is mature enough to understand it's part of the process and if he works hard he'll earn a spot in the starting lineup, Stamper said. In fact, on Dec. 4, 2004, Stamper earned his first start at the "U," against Holy Cross. After committing two early fouls, Stamper only played four minutes of the first half, but the start itself is a testament to how Stamper can expect continued improvement and success if he keeps doing the right things.
As the season progresses, Stamper is continually learning new aspects of being a Big Ten basketball player, both on and off the court. As a fellow post player, senior center Jeff Hagen has been one teammate to help Stamper along, showing him the intricacies of being a post player in the Big Ten. Perhaps Hagen should pursue a coaching career after this season, as Stamper has progressed quickly. Stamper leads the Maroon and Gold in total rebounds and rebounds per game, despite averaging only 17 minutes per contest. Stamper has come a long way to become part of the Golden Gopher basketball family. But through the moving, new teammates and coaches, Stamper's hard work, tough mindset and passion for the game have been constant. Now his knack for rebounding must translate into something more, helping the program rebound back into national prominence.
story by Kevin A. Morales III, athletic communications student assistant
