After junior forward Ryan Welage transferred from San Jose State University to Xavier University, SJSU’s basketball team had big shoes to fill.
Michael Steadman transferred to SJSU from City College of San Francisco and is playing his first season with the Spartans.
Though he was born in Mountain View, Steadman was raised in Union City where he became involved with sports at a young age. Thanks to his father, Steadman found a passion for basketball.
In fourth grade, he started playing basketball and hasn’t stopped since. However, he played baseball for seven years before he chose to solely focus on basketball.
“I just love playing the game and I felt like [basketball] is the best opportunity for me to get somewhere with it,” Steadman said.
The middle of three children, Steadman has managed to keep in touch with his siblings. Now in his first season with the Spartans, he has gained a new family with his teammates. Steadman explained that his transition to SJSU was smooth and therefore enjoyable.
“I love the assistance of my team, it’s been fun,” Steadman said.
Steadman’s hard work and dedication shows on and off the court. He was recently named to the “All-Tournament Team” in the Bahamas where he was recognized along with fellow basketball athletes from the entire country.
“I was lucky enough to get awarded. It was a good experience, I would go there again,” he said.
Spartans freshman guard Seneca Knight said that Steadman’s efforts and fun personality has stood out to him.
“He works hard, each and every day,” Knight said. “He doesn’t take any days off.”
Steadman said he enjoys hanging with friends and watching movies.
“He’s fun, he’s goofy and he likes to do pranks,” Knight said.
Head coach Jean Prioleau said Steadman is a really good rebounder and iterated that he appreciates Steadman and the rest of his teammates alike.
“Michael is great, he’s 6’10” so he can score in the block with both hands,” Prioleau said. “The numbers show how well he’s been playing.”
According to Prioleau, Steadman’s production on the court has been outstanding, but his personality has been helpful to encourage his teammates.
“His relationship with his teammates is great, they really like him,” Prioleau said. “He goes to class, he does what he’s supposed to do on and off the court, he’s a good role model.”
Knight said he appreciates having someone like Steadman around the team for
leadership.
“I look up to him a lot and he encourages me to rebound more. His work ethic during games is unbelievable,” Knight said.
This season, Steadman has enjoyed getting closer with his teammates. He has also been able to manage practices with school and plans on graduating in May 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in business management. He dreams of playing basketball professionally and eventually wants to become a sports manager.
