2011 Draft Prospect: Keith Benson

[Bruno]

http://rushthecourt.net/mag/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/KBenson.jpeg
Height: 6-11
Weight: 225 lbs
Birthday: 08/13/1988
College: Oakland

DraftExpress (http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Keith-Benson-5712/)
nbadraft (http://www.nbadraft.net/players/keith-benson)

[8FOR!3]

I think he'd be a small reach with a first round pick, but he's got the potential and I think our coaching staff could do something with him.

[Darkwaters]

Definite reach in the first. But hes got a chance to go in the late 1st b/c of the relative weakness, especially in the big man realm.

Wouldn't be the end of the world to draft him though - especially if the staff likes him and other more interesting candidates are already gone.

[ChuckD]

Big men are frequently "reached" for in the draft. Not a crime at #30.

[tuncaboylu]

He would be a nice draft pick at #30.

[ChuckD]

he got dominated today .... pass

If he HAD dominated, SA would have no chance to get him. A lot of what happens in the tournament depends on your team mates, and Benson plays on a school team that's smaller than a mid major. I'm sure the opponent packed the lane.

[jjktkk]

If he HAD dominated, SA would have no chance to get him. A lot of what happens in the tournament depends on your team mates, and Benson plays on a school team that's smaller than a mid major. I'm sure the opponent packed the lane.

I watched the game and Texas's Thompson played Benson mostly 1 on 1. I'd still consider taking Benson, but hes raw.

[ChuckD]

I watched the game and Texas's Thompson played Benson mostly 1 on 1. I'd still consider taking Benson, but hes raw.

Every player available at 30 will have some issues with development, health, or size/athleticism.

[bluebellmaniac]

He'd be a project, but at least a project w the height we need. He'd spend 2 seasons in the D-League before he'd have a shot at cracking the big man depth charts... barring an injury. I think Splitter plays a much bigger role next year, making it tough for draftees to break into the big man depth chart.

That said, I'd prefer that if there isn't another gem that drops in the draft ala Blair, I'd rather we go foreign w a draft n stash than use up the roster spot for however long 1st round picks are guaranteed. Draft n stash allows much more flexibility with our roster spots.

[Bruno]

Per his twitter, Keith Benson worked out for Spurs today.

http://twitter.com/#!/KitoB34

[yavozerb]

Per his twitter, Keith Benson worked out for Spurs today.

http://twitter.com/#!/KitoB34

:toast

[dbestpro]

If he could consistantly hit the three he could be quite a find.

[ChuckD]

I dont see him as an NBA player, lacks desire, was dominated by bigger schools, no real post moves, very thin, plays soft, a great shot blocker at a low level but doesnt look like a natural timing type shot blocker.

Reminds me of a Kieth Closs.

Closs was like 7'3" 210, and an alcoholic to boot. Benson isn't ready, but he could get there in a few years.

[yavozerb]

I dont see him as an NBA player, lacks desire, was dominated by bigger schools, no real post moves, very thin, plays soft, a great shot blocker at a low level but doesnt look like a natural timing type shot blocker.

Reminds me of a Kieth Closs.

west virginia- 22 pts, 15 rbs, 2 blk
purdue- 16 pts, 14 rbs, 2 blk
Illinois- 11 pts, 7rbs, 2blk
Michigan state- 17pts, 7rbs, 2blk
Tenn.- 26 pts, 10rbs, 2 blk
Michigan- 11 pts, 7 rbs, 4 blk
Ohio state- 8 pts, 10 rbs, 1 blk
Texas- 15 pts, 11 rbs, 3 blk

:lol, next time please do a little research about a player you obviously know nothing about..

[Master splitter]

Marcus camby

[SenorSpur]

west virginia- 22 pts, 15 rbs, 2 blk
purdue- 16 pts, 14 rbs, 2 blk
Illinois- 11 pts, 7rbs, 2blk
Michigan state- 17pts, 7rbs, 2blk
Tenn.- 26 pts, 10rbs, 2 blk
Michigan- 11 pts, 7 rbs, 4 blk
Ohio state- 8 pts, 10 rbs, 1 blk
Texas- 15 pts, 11 rbs, 3 blk

:lol, next time please do a little research about a player you obviously know nothing about..

Thanks for posting these stats. That makes better sense. That video highlight certainly depicted a player that knew his way around the paint - on both ends of the court. While he's still raw and could probably use a year or two of seasoning, he certainly doesn't appear to be the garbage player that some have made him out to be.

It's good to see that he fared well against upper-echelon college competition. That, along with a good showing in workouts, should go a long way towards improving his draft stock.

Despite his apparent lack of strength, he's got good length and athleticism. The rebounding and shotblocking prowess alone is quite enticing - especially for a team like the Spurs, who are severely limited, along the frontline, in both areas.

[dbestpro]

west virginia- 22 pts, 15 rbs, 2 blk
purdue- 16 pts, 14 rbs, 2 blk
Illinois- 11 pts, 7rbs, 2blk
Michigan state- 17pts, 7rbs, 2blk
Tenn.- 26 pts, 10rbs, 2 blk
Michigan- 11 pts, 7 rbs, 4 blk
Ohio state- 8 pts, 10 rbs, 1 blk
Texas- 15 pts, 11 rbs, 3 blk

:lol, next time please do a little research about a player you obviously know nothing about..

Burned, sizzled and charred. :lol

[yavozerb]

I dont see him as an NBA player, lacks desire, was dominated by bigger schools, no real post moves, very thin, plays soft, a great shot blocker at a low level but doesnt look like a natural timing type shot blocker.

Reminds me of a Kieth Closs.


How many games did you see him play? I dont care if he drops 50 on Tenn second unit, he was dominated by just about every NBA cal post player he faced.

His timing for a shot blkr is not smooth. He is 22 already and is not likely to add much weight as he has a rail thin frame.

Tompson from Tex a freshman who is 3 in shorter Dominated him. Guy has no post moves, and anyone who scouts him will tell you hes soft and does not love the game.

I get paid to scout my friend so understand numbers in meaningless games mean very little. Ian has much more talent and you see how that went.

So a player like Thompson who should get drafted around 10-15 outplayed a player who going to get drafted late 1st to early 2nd, wow, thats a shocker. Not sure how you can say thompson dominated Benson since there statline was almost identical but with Thompson having 4 more blocks. Look, I could care less if the spurs do or dont draft this guy, but I am not going to act like I have seen this kid play all his college games. Some of your assessment may be correct ( very thin, plays soft, older) but the rest is crap and you getting paid should know that. Keep to the facts and do not pretend to know about this player than actually do and I will galdly praise your work.


Lets see, playing against second and third units.

WVA- Lost by 25
Pur- Lost by 15
Mich- Lost by 18
Ohio St- Lost by 30

Is it difficult to put up good numbers when walk ons are playing and the game is over 10 mins into the first half.

Since you brought up these games did you watch them to see who exactly Benson went up against and how he fared against the starters? Did you know Jujuan Johnson actually played 40 minutes in that game or did you just assume he did not play much cause of the final score?

[dbestpro]

I get paid to scout my friend ...................

For who? General Custer?

[ohmwrecker]

Just remember . . . Texas 2 Step wanted the Spurs to sign Shaq.

lol "paid to scout"

[ChuckD]

For who? General Custer?

dbestpro, ftw. :lol

[ohmwrecker]

Yeah we see how well we did without him as Randolph and Gasol bitch slapped our front line, you are clueless about basketball. Dont be upset Im paid to scout, you may see me coaching your fav college team one day.

Yeah, Shaq did a great job for the Celtics against the fearsome front line of the Heat . . . it would have been tough to guard Gasol/Randolph sitting behind the bench in a suit.

lol "upset"

[ohmwrecker]

LOL guy got hurt from being over used early in the season. As I have stated before SA only needed him for 15 mpg, to assist in clogging the lane.

He would have also helped our head hanging players to have some pride, as well as he could have helped Blair understand how to use his size and post skills.

You are are Bonner lover, We lost in the first round to the Griz, yet Shaq would not have helped....you must be a mavs fan.

Prove it, motherfucker.

[ChuckD]

LOL guy got hurt from being over used early in the season. As I have stated before SA only needed him for 15 mpg, to assist in clogging the lane.

He played 20, and broke down. Zack Randolph would have abused him by shooting over him or taking him off the bounce. Shaq was done, and the only ones who didn't know it were the Boston Celtics and you.

[SenorSpur]

Why are we wasting time and space talking about Shaq in a Keith Benson thread? Let's get back on track, please.

[yavozerb]

Why are we wasting time and space talking about Shaq in a Keith Benson thread? Let's get back on track, please.

:toast

[ChuckD]

I love you Chuck D but like I said early in the year Shaq played well, Doc just played him to much. I only wanted him for games we needed to clog the lane. Never depended on him to be long term answer but if healthy for playoffs, he would have helped against Randolph for certain.

Shaq wouldn't have helped with Randolph at all. Zack is much more than just a post up banger. He can do that, but he can also shoot from about 18 feet, and you have to honor that because he can also put the ball on the floor and take it to the rim. Either of those last two would leave Shaq chasing shadows.

[JonNOKC]

I think you will see Spurs bring in alot of 4/5 for workouts most likely wanting to pick the best of the group left with their 2nd round pick unless one of these guys blows the away. I would expect the Spurs to workout most of the following:

Keith Benson
Jamie Skeen
John Luer
Greg Smith
JaJuan Johnson
Jordan Williams
Vernon Macklin
Matt Bryan-Amaning
Nikola Vucevic

Micheal Dunigan (he seems to have matured and worked on his game since he was a lazy spoiled freshman at Oregon - has slimmed from 265 to 248 and appears to have improved his game (shot 58% at FT as freshman, 75% in 3 euro leagues this past year - probably not NBA ready but think he could contribute pretty quickly)

Jeremy Tyler (character issues but very young)

Out of that list at least 2 maybe as many as 5 should be available with Spurs pick - a few of these guys have late 1st round/early 2nd round grades - but the majority are all over the board in 2nd round to not being drafted depending on mock drafts

[SenorSpur]

Looks like Hoopsworld, in their mock draft, now have Benson going in the first round.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/the_draft/FullMockDraft.asp?AUTHOR_ID=2

[JonNOKC]

Unless someone falls, I have doubts spurs will draft a big. With Splitter and Blair in the line up, Bonner I see the FO looking at a vet big for a year or two.

I think the Spurs are looking at SF and PG. Would not be shocked to see SA look to get up for Jimmer or Jackson. Singlton would be a likely target, poss Richmond who has upside but isnt ready yet.

I can see J Johnson if they think he can bulk up or move to the 3.

The only big I see them taking is if J Williams falls to 29.

Benson has an outside shot, Im not a big fan right now, but if he could refine his post moves a bit he could give us a bit more spring around the rim. I think he is high risk, high reward type player. Either he becomes a very good starter, or hes out of the NBA in 2 years.

outside of Johnson or someone unexpected falling I don't think the Spurs will go big in 1st round but could see value in some bigs that might be available with 2nd round pick.
My only concern with PG is the 1st round guys that would be available or GHill types in terms of not being natural distributors or probably not ready to play like Morris - I think there could be good value in 2nd round especially if Spurs could move up alittle - but even staying pat wouldn't be suprise if one of (Charles Jenkins, Norris Cole, Goudelock, or McCamey) are avaialble - all seniors and all from small schools except McCamey

[SenorSpur]

There are far more good PFs available in this draft than PGs. Besides, the Spurs have more of a need for a big than a small. Unless either Singleton or Honeycutt slide to #29, I'm hopeful that the Spurs will take the best big available. I'd have no issue with Benson at #29.

[Biggems]

I want Benson. I think he immediately gives us an interior defensive presence that we desperately need....that shot blocker, shot alterer....He is also a very good rebounder. I feel he, Splitter, and an in shape Blair would beast the glass. Offensively, he would be a great candidate for alley-oops and transition baskets...but he would definitely have to mature into our half-court offense. Still, working alongside Duncan and Splitter should help him improve some of the weaknesses in his offensive game. Also, I can see him bulking up his first few years in the league.

I want Benson.....too bad we can't get Benson and Hamilton in this draft....that would be my pipedream for the 2011 draft.

actually my pipedream would be to trade Tony Parker (only if trading him is what must truly be done) for both of Minnesota's first round picks....while still keeping ours.....We draft SF Williams, SG Hamilton, C/PF Benson.....with our 2nd, we draft the best PG remaining...but alas, this is merely a pipedream and has about as much chance of happening as UTSA winning the BCS National Championship this year....

C - Splitter, Benson
PF - Duncan, Blair, Bonner
SF - Williams, Jefferson, Butler
SG - Hamilton, Neal, Green
PG - Hill, Manu, Draft Pick/Quinn

Richards goes to the D-League for 1 season

[JonNOKC]

I want Benson. I think he immediately gives us an interior defensive presence that we desperately need....that shot blocker, shot alterer....He is also a very good rebounder. I feel he, Splitter, and an in shape Blair would beast the glass. Offensively, he would be a great candidate for alley-oops and transition baskets...but he would definitely have to mature into our half-court offense. Still, working alongside Duncan and Splitter should help him improve some of the weaknesses in his offensive game. Also, I can see him bulking up his first few years in the league.

I want Benson.....too bad we can't get Benson and Hamilton in this draft....that would be my pipedream for the 2011 draft.

actually my pipedream would be to trade Tony Parker (only if trading him is what must truly be done) for both of Minnesota's first round picks....while still keeping ours.....We draft SF Williams, SG Hamilton, C/PF Benson.....with our 2nd, we draft the best PG remaining...but alas, this is merely a pipedream and has about as much chance of happening as UTSA winning the BCS National Championship this year....

C - Splitter, Benson
PF - Duncan, Blair, Bonner
SF - Williams, Jefferson, Butler
SG - Hamilton, Neal, Green
PG - Hill, Manu, Draft Pick/Quinn

Richards goes to the D-League for 1 season

Benson would be a good pick in 2nd round but don't see him falling all the way to spurs pick of 58 - but would not like at 29th - much rather get Tyler (who I think has much higher ceiling plus already has NBA type body which will give him a chance to contribute this coming year, and who I like more and more every time I see him do interview or what I saw at combined/film) or Noguiera as a stash pick

[G-Dawgg]

If we were to draft a big this year, I'd take Benson over Tyler...
I read somewhere just recently that his verticle jump/reach was 13feet. Thats high as the top of the nba backboard -which is pretty sick..

Plus benson has a nice touch on his shots to go with his length and athleticism combination.

I'm sure Nba weight trainers and dieticians can help put a bit of mass on him

[dbestpro]

I too think Benson will be the better long term prospect. I just am not sold on the Spurs ability to coach up a big who does not already come ready made. Even with Blair, pop said he did not try to tell him what to do in his rookie year and when they did coach him in his second year, he became a bust.

Afterall, name the last big the Spurs drafted that was coached up and played well. You can't say Robinson or Duncan as they came ready made.

[SenorSpur]

I too think Benson will be the better long term prospect. I just am not sold on the Spurs ability to coach up a big who does not already come ready made. Even with Blair, pop said he did not try to tell him what to do in his rookie year and when they did coach him in his second year, he became a bust.

Afterall, name the last big the Spurs drafted that was coached up and played well. You can't say Robinson or Duncan as they came ready made.

Benson is an enticing player. The one apparent weakness about him is his lack of strength. Apparently, he's been unable to hold weight, which may result in him getting pushed around in the paint.

It's interesting to note that, since the pre-draft camp, Tyler has likely played his way into the first round - according to most mock drafts. However, Benson has not made such a similar leap.

[SenorSpur]

If we were to draft a big this year, I'd take Benson over Tyler...
I read somewhere just recently that his verticle jump/reach was 13feet. Thats high as the top of the nba backboard -which is pretty sick..

Plus benson has a nice touch on his shots to go with his length and athleticism combination.

I'm sure Nba weight trainers and dieticians can help put a bit of mass on him

That's what I've been waiting to hear - some support for other bigs and some comparisons as to one big versus another.

One other thing that probably works in Benson's favor is maturity. Benson is a four-year senior and we all know that Pop and RC prefer more mature college players. This means that Benson is likely better equipped and could likely step in and play quicker than Tyler could.

It's an interesting comparison. I'm curious to hear more from you and others as to why Benson would be the preferred choice over Tyler?

[Tyrone Jenkins]

Tyler may be the next Shaq or Olajuwon. I'd give him about 2% chance of that happening. He also may be the next Erick Dampier or Cherokee Parks. I'd give him about 35-40% chance of that happening. He'll probably end up being somewhere between the two extremes - which to me won't be worth the immaturity I'm sure that will come along when he gets his 1st NBA paycheck.

Additionally, I think the Spurs need a more athletic big man. Tyler is the heaviest of all prospects at 265 w/ limited low post game and NO defense.

Benson is a better prospect for the Spurs system but still doesn't fit the mold as he's simply to light. He'll put on weight in the next few seasons but that might be a while.

Mason Plumlee is probably more athletic than Benson and is stronger but less gifted offensively. I like his chances given that he's more likely to be available when the Spurs pick (maybe even in the 2nd round).

Splitter is the future of the Spurs front court offensive - he won't completely replace Duncan (nobody ever will) but if he's a 15 pt / 8 rbnd a game guy, then the rest of the offense can come from the PG, SG, and PF positions as it always has been: TP (if he isn't traded - then all bets are off), Anderson and Splitter. Manu should be coming off the bench to add pts as well. Given a more defensive capable SF and C, the Spurs are back to old form.

[JonNOKC]

I think Benson in the first isn't the best value but wouldn't have a problem - IMO Tyler offers more upside but no doubt greater risk - my biggest concern is can Benson put on weight and how much - if he can't bulk up his limited defensively to being a great help side defender but not able to guard physical big men (i.e. - M.Camby) which isn't a bad thing - just thinking back to Memphis series and lack of Spurs current players to defend the post

[JonNOKC]

I thought Plumlee decided not to enter draft

[BackHome]

west virginia- 22 pts, 15 rbs, 2 blk
purdue- 16 pts, 14 rbs, 2 blk
Illinois- 11 pts, 7rbs, 2blk
Michigan state- 17pts, 7rbs, 2blk
Tenn.- 26 pts, 10rbs, 2 blk
Michigan- 11 pts, 7 rbs, 4 blk
Ohio state- 8 pts, 10 rbs, 1 blk
Texas- 15 pts, 11 rbs, 3 blk

:lol, next time please do a little research about a player you obviously know nothing about..

Haha - Yeah I have to agree with you I think Benson at our pick would be a great pick up!