Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank. Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com. All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: wpc112@gmail.com
2011 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Keith Benson
Position: Center
Size: 6-11, 225
School: Oakland, Senior
Strengths:
Can turn over either shoulder and finish with either hand
Footwork in the post
Hook shot
Soft touch around the basket
Mid-range game
Putting the ball on the deck for a dribble or two to get to the basket
Length
Shot blocker
Runs the floor well
Weaknesses:
Needs to get stronger
Physicality; gets pushed around inside
Gets caught watching the action rather than sticking his nose in the mix
Can he guard NBA power forwards on the perimeter?
Summary: Benson has a nice combination of size, length and athleticism that makes him effective at the college level, but is not very physical. His numbers are a bit bloated playing in a weak Summit League but he has held his own against some of the better teams in the country. He could potentially be a borderline first-round pick but more than likely ends up being taken in the second round.
Player Comparison: Dan Gadzuric. Gadzuric brings athleticism to the frontcourt but gets pushed around inside due to a lack of strength. Benson is in the same mold as he will struggle guarding bigger players in the league. Both players have a decent mid-range game but Benson will have to play the four at the next level if he wants to be more successful than Gadzuric.
Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank. Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com. All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: wpc112@gmail.com