2011 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Keith Benson



Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
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2011 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Keith Benson


Position: Center

Size: 6-11, 225

School: Oakland, Senior


Strengths:
  • Can turn over either shoulder and finish with either hand
  • Footwork in the post
  • Hook shot
  • Soft touch around the basket
  • Mid-range game
  • Putting the ball on the deck for a dribble or two to get to the basket
  • Length
  • Shot blocker
  • Runs the floor well



    Weaknesses:
  • Needs to get stronger
  • Physicality; gets pushed around inside
  • Gets caught watching the action rather than sticking his nose in the mix
  • Can he guard NBA power forwards on the perimeter?

    Summary: Benson has a nice combination of size, length and athleticism that makes him effective at the college level, but is not very physical. His numbers are a bit bloated playing in a weak Summit League but he has held his own against some of the better teams in the country. He could potentially be a borderline first-round pick but more than likely ends up being taken in the second round.

    Player Comparison: Dan Gadzuric. Gadzuric brings athleticism to the frontcourt but gets pushed around inside due to a lack of strength. Benson is in the same mold as he will struggle guarding bigger players in the league. Both players have a decent mid-range game but Benson will have to play the four at the next level if he wants to be more successful than Gadzuric.





    RELATED LINKS:


    2011 NBA Mock Draft


    2012 NBA Mock Draft


    2011 NBA Draft Prospect Rankings


    2011 NBA Draft Scouting Reports








    Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
    Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
    All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: [email protected]




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