In 2003, young 4-year-old Erik Stevenson played YMCA basketball at local Lacey elementary schools on Saturdays: just like many other South Sound young boys and girls have over the years. Debbie, his mom, was his coach, and his dad, Craig, mentored his game from the stands. You could say basketball dug deep into young Erik’s core.
At Timberline High School, Erik grew physically and mentally, and developed a fierce competitive nature. In 2018 Stevenson led the Blazers to a 4th place state tournament finish in Washington’s Class 3A Tournament where he was named the MVP of the entire tournament. He was The Olympian’s 2018 Area Player of the Year and racked up records including Timberline’s single-game (45 points), season (717) and career (1,861) scoring marks.
Erik started his college career at Wichita State where he played a key role for two years. But Stevenson’s basketball journey took a turn last spring when he transferred back home to the University of Washington to join the Husky Men’s Basketball team, which was being rebuilt.
2020-21 has been a challenging year for the 6-foot-4-inches, 198-pound Junior shooting guard and the young Husky team. Washington currently sits at 3-11. Erik has settled into a starting role as the “two” shooting guard. He scored 27 versus Cal January 9 and currently is averaging 8 points per game.
The team seems to be adjusting and building some trust and unity after back-to-back wins over Utah January 24 and against Colorado January 20. Stevenson scored 18 against Utah Sunday including a key 3-point play in the closing minutes to put UW ahead for good.
For local South Sound basketball fans, including his parents, it is exciting to be able to root for the local kid. “We are happy that he is back but frustrated that we can’t see him in person due to the COVID protocols,” stated Debbie Stevenson.
Timberline boys basketball head coach Allen Thomas continues to be one of Erik’s biggest fans. “Erik’s passion to be great has got him to where he is at today,” remarked Thomas. “The countless hours working on his shooting ability, athleticism, and his basketball IQ has given him an edge. He understands what it is going to take to be successful and I believe that there is another level he can take his game.”
Stevenson has goals for a professional career and will continue to grow, battle and fight while at UW. Due to COVID protocols, He will have two more years of eligibility after he completes his Junior season.
