Former Virginia Military Institute standout Jake Stephens is getting another opportunity to reach the NBA.
The Milwaukee Bucks announced Thursday that they have signed Stephens, a 6-foot-11, 270-pound center who spent last season playing professionally in Croatia.
Stephens, 26, appeared in 61 games, including 30 starts, for KK Split in the Croatian A-1 League and Adriatic League ABA. He averaged 9.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 16.1 minutes per game while shooting 54.2% from the field.
He earned Adriatic League ABA Round 4 MVP honors and scored in double figures 26 times, including four 20-point games and one 30-point performance. He also recorded four double-doubles.
The Bunker Hill, West Virginia, native began his professional career in the NBA G League during the 2023-24 season, playing 41 games between the Capital City Go-Go and Stockton Kings.
Before turning pro, Stephens spent five seasons in college, playing at VMI from 2018-22 before transferring to Chattanooga for his final season.
Across 144 collegiate games, including 122 starts, Stephens averaged 13.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.4 blocks per game. He shot 50% from the field and earned All-Southern Conference honors three times.
Stephens finished his college career as the Southern Conference’s career leader in defensive rebounds with 767. He also ranked ninth in conference history in games played and 12th in blocks.
The Bucks’ roster currently lists Stephens as a center. His signing comes as Milwaukee prepares for training camp and adds another big man to the team’s front court competition.
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