A professional basketball player who played in the NBA and overseas, known for his athleticism and shot-blocking ability.
Keith Benson, a 6-foot-11 center, is widely recognized as one of the most dominant players in Oakland University's history. He is known for his impressive athleticism, defensive prowess, and record-breaking shot-blocking ability, which earned him the Lou Henson Award as the mid-major player of the year in 2010.
Born on August 13, 1988, in Cleveland, Ohio, Benson grew up in Farmington Hills, Michigan, and attended Detroit Country Day School in Beverly Hills, Michigan. During his senior year, he averaged 6.9 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, which didn't quite reflect his true potential.
Benson's college career began at Oakland University, where he initially committed after a coaching change at Fairfield. After redshirting his first year, he became a starter for the 2007-2008 season, starting 20 of the team's 29 games and averaging 5.2 points and 3.5 rebounds. However, he was benched prior to the conference tournament due to concerns about his defensive performance.
Despite this setback, Benson bounced back to have a phenomenal redshirt junior season, earning him the Summit League Player of the Year award. He declared himself eligible for the 2010 NBA draft but later withdrew due to an injured right thumb.
In his senior season, Benson continued to dominate, setting the Summit League's record for career blocks. He also enrolled in master's-level architecture courses, showcasing his academic versatility.
Selected by the Atlanta Hawks as the 48th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft, Benson has had a diverse professional career, playing in Italy, Philippines, Belarus, China, Lithuania, Estonia, and the NBA Development League.
Benson's impressive college career and subsequent professional success have inspired a new generation of college basketball players. His record-breaking shot-blocking ability and defensive prowess have raised the bar for aspiring centers in the NCAA.
Keith Benson's legacy extends beyond his impressive basketball career. He is a testament to the importance of perseverance, hard work, and academic excellence. His commitment to his craft and his community has made him a role model for young athletes everywhere.
40 Years Old
Dominant center in the NBA, known for his athleticism, defense, and charismatic personality. He's a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and eight-time All-Star.
41 Years Old
A dominant center who played for the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks, known for his defensive prowess and all-around skills. He's a two-time NBA All-Star and NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
40 Years Old
A dominant center who has played for the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Philadelphia 76ers, known for his all-around skills and consistent playoff performances.
38 Years Old
A dominant center in the NBA, known for his three-point shooting and defensive skills, playing for teams like the Nets and Bucks.
38 Years Old
Dominant center known for his defensive prowess, athleticism, and rebounding ability, earning him multiple All-NBA and All-Defensive selections.
44 Years Old
A dominant center who played for several NBA teams, including the Dallas Mavericks and New York Knicks, and was a key contributor to the Mavericks' 2011 NBA championship.
41 Years Old
A dominant center who led the Memphis Grizzlies to several playoff appearances and won an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors. Known for his all-around skills and defensive prowess.
41 Years Old
Dominant power forward who played 15 seasons in the NBA, earning six All-Star selections and five All-NBA team nods. Known for his consistent mid-range shooting and defensive prowess.
