The Class of 2016 in Illinois isn’t considered a particularly impactful one in the recruiting world.
Northwestern probably feels differently.
Chris Collins landed a big fish on Monday as Hinsdale South center Barret Benson announced his commitment via Twitter.
“I have decided to continue my education and basketball career at Northwestern Universtiy,” Benson wrote.
The 6-10 Benson, who visited Evanston over the weekend following a trip to Stanford, joins 6-8 Barrington forward Rapolas Ivanauskas in what has the makings of a terrific recruiting class.
Benson and Ivanauskas are two of the top three big men in the state.
“Both sides are extremely happy,” said Mike Mullins of the Illinois Wolves, Benson’s AAU coach. “Coach Collins and Coach (Brian) James made Barret a priority from the beginning and were able to paint a vision of not only the need they have for him, but how they can make him better to fulfill that need.
“This is a great opportunity for him. There is clearly a need with their bigs graduating. It’s a chance to learn and grow with the program, and the opportunity to contribute early in his career is there for him.”
An outstanding student, Benson had offers from Illinois, Indiana, Purdue, Vanderbilt and several others before narrowing his list to Northwestern and Stanford.
He’s a versatile offensive player, fluid in the post with a smooth, soft mid-range shot. Mullins thinks he’ll develop 3-point range.
“Barret has tremendous upside,” Mullins said. “He has done a great job reshaping his body and improving every year. That is only going to continue.”
