Thirteen points, eleven assists, ten blocks, and fifteen rebounds in one game is what the basketball world calls a quadruple double—one of the sport’s rarest feats. Jerrelle Benimon, a 6’8” power forward from Fauquier High School in Warrenton, Virginia, accumulated those statistics. Benimon is the newest addition to the Hoyas men’s basketball team.
Early this week, head coach John Thompson III helped fill out his roster by receiving two commitments—one from Benimon and another from Lexington Catholic (Kentucky) guard Vee Sanford. Although the Athletic Department has not officially released news of either signing, both recruits have confirmed to the Voice that they will be joining the Hoyas next season.
Sanford explained that the Hoyas became interested in him during the latter part of December 2008. Once receiving his offer, he signed with the Hoyas over other major conference schools like Kentucky and Georgia.
By signing Sanford, a 6’3” first-team all-Kentucky shooting guard, Thompson addressed one of his team’s most critical needs: three-point shooting. The Hoyas only shot 33.2 percent from the arc last season, down from 38.4 percent in 2007-08.
While his three-point shooting is strong, Sanford admits he will need to work on his ball handling and strength over the summer, to prepare for Big East play. But with Sanford’s team-first attitude, working on his deficiencies should not be a problem.
“I just want to fill in the spot that Coach Thompson wants me to do,” Sanford said. “Whatever he wants me to do, I’m looking forward to.”
When it comes to work ethic, Benimon is very similar to Sanford. His coach Wayne Brizzi explained that for Benimon, practicing his game is more important than any personal accolades he may receive.
“Yesterday, we had a little get-together with the local press here, and he wants to make sure he gets his workout in in the weight room before he comes out for the conference,” Brizzi said.
Benimon was a lesser-known prospect than Sanford, a product of his gradual improvement from freshman year, according to Benimon’s coach.
“It’s kind of weird,” Brizzi said. “He was a pretty good player as a freshman, and he just got a little bit better every year. Then, all of a sudden, he’s good. The way he developed kind of kept him under the radar.”
It is surprising that a player who averaged 21 points, 17 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 blocks a game went “under the radar.” Benimon’s staggering averages indicate his multi-faceted skill set. Brizzi explained that Benimon would average even more points if he decided to shoot more. But Benimon claims that his strongest skill is “passing,” and that he possesses strong court vision and ball-handling skills for a player his size.
“I guess I can do everything,” Benimon said.
After the Hoyas staggered through the end of this season, capped off by a first-round defeat in the National Invitation Tournament, and the premature departures of junior DaJaun Summers and sophomore Omar Wattad, Benimon just may need to do everything.
