There were questions about whether the 6-foot-5, 240-pound forward would be eligible because of his involvement in a documentary. Stephenson was a prep star in Brooklyn, but his off-the-court issues made many schools back away.

Stephenson averaged 28.9 points, 10 rebounds and 3.9 assists in his senior season at Lincoln High School. He was picked as the Big East's preseason rookie of the year, and coach Mick Cronin calls Stephenson a difference-maker.

The Bearcats open the season Nov. 16 against Prairie View A&M.