After a year playing minor league baseball, American University forward Stephen Lumpkins is returning to school to play basketball, the Washington Post is reporting.
Lumpkins, a 6-8, 225-pound California native, has reportedly re-enrolled in school after having left at the conclusion of his junior year in 2011.
He plans to play right away, pending approval from the Patriot League.
“Being away for a year made me realize how much I miss basketball,” Lumpkins told the paper. “I enjoyed my three years on the AU team very much and I am hopeful I can play again in my final year.”
In the minors, Lumpkins pitched for the AZL Royals, a rookie league team in Arizona and affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. During his first season, he was 2-1 with a 7.02 ERA. This year, he was 0-0 with a 19.64 ERA in under four innings of work.
During his last year at American in 2010-11, he averaged 13.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game.
If approved to play, Lumpkins will return to a team that finished 20-14 in 2011-12, including 10-4 in the Patriot League.
The Eagles welcome two recruits to the team from the Class of 2012.
Daniel Martin is a writer and editor at JohnnyJungle.com, covering St. John’s. You can find him on Twitter:@DanielJMartin_
