/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/20382103/163783044.0.jpg)
The Oregon Ducks men's basketball team received a commitment today from junior college transfer, Dwayne Benjamin. Benjamin tweeted the news, which was also confirmed by multiple recruiting outlets:
Just talked with Dwayne Benjamin (6-6/G/F/2014) of Mt. San Jacinto (CA). He has committed to Oregon. Said he loved visit, campus, staff, etc
— Brad Winton (@JucoRecruiting) September 29, 2013
Sat next to JuCo basketball prospect Dwayne Benjamin on my flight. He just committed to Oregon. Said he loved the facilities. Go figure
— Hunter Hewitt (@HunterHewitt) September 29, 2013
Like this morning's running back commit, Tony James, Benjamin was another player who visited Oregon over the weekend. A 6'6 G/F, Benjamin is an extremely athletic wing player who can play above the rim and excel in the open court. He led Mt Jacinto Community College in scoring last year, averaging 15.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. He shot 46.7-percent from the floor, including 29.2-percent from three.
Benjamin is a four star recruit according to 247Sports, and the #6 JUCO player in the country according to Next Up Recruits. JucoRecruiting's Brad Winton had this to say about Benjamin's skill set today:
Benjamin gets off the floor quickly and rebounds the ball well, he also has the ability to initiate the transition break himself due to his skill level. Defensively, Benjamin can guard multiple spots on the floor due to his size, length and athletic ability.
Benjamin is Oregon's second commit in the 2014 class, joining point guard Casey Benson. He provides the versatility that Altman loves and is an important pick up as Oregon has just two front court players scheduled to return for the 2014-15 season. Benjamin chose Oregon over interest from many programs around the country, including USC and Iowa State.
While many fans were rightfully concerned that the horrible weather on Saturday might scare recruits away, it appears it may have had the opposite effect on Benjamin, as reported by Matt Prehm:
Just spoke to Oregon's newest hoops commit. Said the biggest reason why he committed was seeing the fan support last night despite monsoon.
— Matt Prehm (@Prehmmr247) September 29, 2013
Benjamin will have three years to play two at Oregon. You can watch his highlight tape, via Yay Area's Finest, below.