Written by: David Williams

Anthony Bennett: The Rise and Fall of a Basketball Phenom

Anthony Bennett is known for being the first Canadian to be drafted as the number one overall pick in the NBA, a feat he achieved in 2013 when he was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, his subsequent NBA career was marked by struggles and inconsistency, earning him the unfortunate reputation as one of the worst number one picks in league history.

Early Life and High School Career

Born on March 14, 1993, in Toronto, Ontario, Bennett grew up in a tough neighborhood in Jane and Finch, before moving to Brampton at the age of 10. His mother, Edith Bennett, a nurse, raised him and his two siblings as a single mother, working two jobs to provide for the family. Bennett's athletic abilities were evident from an early age, and he was encouraged by his mother, who was a track and field athlete in her youth.

In high school, Bennett attended Harold M. Brathwaite Secondary School in Brampton, before relocating to Beckley, West Virginia to play basketball for Mountain State Academy. After the school closed, he moved to Henderson, Nevada to play for Findlay Prep. He was highly touted as a prospect, ranked as the number 1 forward and number 7 player overall in the high school class of 2012 by ESPNU 100.

College Career and NBA Draft

Bennett committed to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) under head coach Dave Rice in 2012. In his lone season with the Runnin' Rebels, he played 35 games, averaging 16.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, despite struggling with injuries. His impressive performance earned him numerous awards and accolades, including being named the Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year.

His stellar college performance led to him being drafted as the number one overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2013 NBA draft, a historic moment for Canadian basketball.

NBA Career and Struggles

Bennett's NBA career was marked by inconsistencies and struggles. He played for four teams, including the Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto Raptors, and Brooklyn Nets, before being waived by the Nets in 2016. Over the course of his four-year NBA career, he averaged only 4.4 points and 3.0 rebounds per game.

His NBA career was marked by injuries, weight issues, and a lack of playing time, which ultimately led to him being out of the league by the age of 23.

Legacy and Impact

Despite his struggles in the NBA, Bennett's legacy as a trailblazer for Canadian basketball remains. He paved the way for other Canadian players, such as Andrew Wiggins and Jamal Murray, to be drafted into the NBA.

Off the court, Bennett has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including working with the NBA's Basketball Without Borders program, which aims to promote basketball and education in underprivileged communities.

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Bennett's mother, Edith, was a track and field athlete in her youth and also played netball.
• He was nicknamed "The Canadian Sensation" during his high school days.
• Bennett's favorite NBA player growing up was Vince Carter.

Conclusion

Anthony Bennett's story serves as a reminder that even the most promising of careers can be derailed by a combination of factors. Despite his struggles, Bennett remains an important figure in Canadian basketball history, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players.