College tends to change people, whether personally or athletically. For DeAngelo Stewart, it was both.
The 6’5″ ’13 graduate of Detroit Cass Tech’s road to college is not the typical route of a college athlete. Stewart was originally committed to SIU-Edwardsville following his high school senior season. Just before the start of his freshman year, DeAngelo de-committed, and chose to attend Alabama State University.
Alabama State was not the right fit either for Stewart. In his one year at ASU, DeAngelo had difficulty in receiving consistent playing time and an overall feel of comfort with the program.
DeAngelo’s third college was Northwest Tech Community College in Goodland, Kansas. In his one year at Northwest Tech, Stewart was a vital component of a Maverick team that won 20 games. On an individual standpoint, Stewart averaged 16 points, and seven rebounds per-game. Northwest Tech was the right culture for Stewart to change not only as a basketball player, but as a person.
“I changed my attitude on and off the court,” Stewart said. “I became more mature also on and off the court. I also changed my motor and body language.”
Focusing on those aspects brought greater interest and opportunities to play on the next level. His stellar play landed DeAngelo interest from various mid-major institutions across the Midwest. However, Stewart decided the final destination in his collegiate career will be at IPFW in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
“It feels good,” Stewart had to say about his commitment. “I’m back in the Midwest where I belong. I have been waiting on this moment ever since I arrived on campus for my JUCO season.”
“It’s a blessing to get another chance at the D1 level.”
Stewart said he chose IPFW because his relationship with the program was “different.” DeAngelo admires the up-and-down tempo the Mastadons deploy. He also has a special relationship with one current Mastadon, sophomore guard Mo Evans, the Summit League sixth man of the year. Stewart plans on bringing a sense of versatility next season to IPFW.
“They (IPFW) plan to use me on the perimeter,” Stewart added. “And in the post to post up smaller guards.”
DeAngelo’s journey to division one college basketball has left a profound impact on him he will carry whenever his playing days are done. Three schools in three years is not something Stewart would recommend. However, it’s what was learned that has helped Stewart change the outlook on his career. From playing “in the middle of no where in Kansas,” to division one college basketball, Stewart is thankful for the changes he has endured the past two years.
And so fittingly, Stewart strives on receiving the Summit League’s “Newcomer of the Year Award.”
The Prep Ball Report 
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