New York Shooter Getting High Major Looks

Outside of the New York Metropolitan area, Keith Benjamin is a bit of an unknown. Come summer, the shooter from Mount Vernon High School in Mount Vernon, New York, should see his recruitment continue to pick up steam.

Benjamin is a 6'2'' 183 pound shooting guard out of the class of 2004 who plays for coach Bob Cimmino at Mount Vernon. Benjamin helped to spearhead Mount Vernon's 86-67 win over Kingston in the quarterfinals of the Class "A" New York State playoffs on Saturday, pitching in with 16 points and slamming the door on Kingston with an emphatic windmill dunk in the game's waning minutes.

Benjamin possesses good size on the wing and favors catching-and-shooting. He doesn't have an especially quick release, but generally does a good job at freeing himself up for the shot. Benjamin was checked by Holy Cross-bound guard Keith Simmons on Saturday, who presents match-up problems for opposing guards with his size. A gangly 6'5'' wing with a large wingspan, Simmons is a ever-present distraction. Benjamin did a credible job against a tough defender, however.

So far, Benjamin has heard from Virginia, North Carolina State, Providence, Seton Hall, Villanova, Illinois, and Ohio State. Virginia is close to offering. Benjamin will probably take some late summer/early fall visits.

One thing you might notice about this list is that all of the above programs is that they are all plugged in with New York City basketball. With the added exposure of the sneaker camps (Benjamin is not sure which one he will attend) and touring with The Riverside Church, more suitors will likely hop on board.

Benjamin is currently averaging 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists.

Keith carries a 2.9 GPA in the classroom that "is increasing".