Steven graduated Cum Laude from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications, focusing on film studies, journalism and theatre arts. Dubbed a "prolific" writer by Hollywood icon Kenneth Johnson (The Incredible Hulk, V, The Bionic Woman, Alien Nation), Steven has been honored by the Arkansas College Media Association for his story writing prowess. He has also received recognition for his dramatic writing from the Eerie, Shriekfest and Screamfest horror film festivals. Publications include: Carroll County News, Saline Courier, Forum, Echo and Moroch.

The Magnificent Seven eyes NBA

Posted Thursday, April 9, 2015, at 9:44 PM

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky (38-1) stormed to the Final Four for the second-consecutive year, and seven members of this year's squad announced at a press conference they would forgo their remaining collegiate eligibility and enter the 2015 NBA draft.

The University of Kentucky basketball program and head coach John Calipari will have to replace seven stellar student athletes:

Junior Willie Cauley-Stein

Sophomore Andrew Harrison

Sophomore Aaron Harrison

Sophomore Dakari Johnson

Freshmen Devin Booker

Freshman Trey Lyles

Freshman Karl-Anthony Towns

"It's about each individual up here making a decision — not based on what's right for this university, not based on what's right for me and our staff — but what's right for them and their families," Calipari said. "The way this works, I meet with each player after the last game, and truly it's the morning after the last game. I ask, `Do you want me to explore your options?' They all said yes."

"A few said no. We gather the information," Calipari continued. "We talk to about 20 NBA teams, maybe more. We let the parents talk directly to the NBA so there's no confusion. We have about a five-minute meeting -- maybe. I'm not convincing them to stay and I'm not pushing anybody out the door. This is their choice."

Booker reflected on the 'Cats record-setting season and just falling shy of a national championship.

"We all wanted a national championship, but I feel like we made a lot of history here, did a lot of great things," Booker said. "These are memories that I'll never forget. People always ask what my hardest decision was, and it's the decision to leave Kentucky, not to come here. That was the easy decision, to come here and be a part of this program. Great fan base. That was an easy decision and leaving all of that will be the hardest."

The head coach echoed the sentiment of his freshman player. "We didn't quite get our goal of winning a national title and 40-0, but it can't and it doesn't take away from what these people have accomplished," Calipari said.

Kentucky will undoubtedly struggle replacing the inside presence of Karl-Anthony Towns next year. The youngster's size and strength will make him a valuable commodity in the NBA.

"It's surreal," Towns said. "You never think of this moment; you dream of this moment when you're young, when you're playing on the court and you just think about these moments, like the one today -- like hopefully I could be in the same league as the greats like Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon and Sam Bowie. All these great players, you just want to be a part of the fraternity that they are a part of."

The NBA Draft will be held June 25 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.