OU Star Benson, Now in the NBA, Faces an Uncertain Summer

The summer should be an exciting time for recent Atlanta Hawks’ draft pick Keith Benson. 

But for Benson, the star who was , summer comes with significant uncertainty. An NBA lockout will go into effect on Friday absent a last-minute agreement between the owners and the players' union. 

Draft picks like Benson, along with rookie free agents, may be largely on their own.

Benson is at training camp in Atlanta where he is getting feedback on everything from a recommended strength and conditioning program to the proper daily diet.

“They have a plan for me and we’re talking about it this week,” Benson told Rochester Patch.

Benson will be on his own at first

Benson, a Farmington Hills native and graduate of Country Day High School, is in discussions with his agent  Ty Sullivan  and the Hawks about a contingency plan if the lockout occurs.

Benson expects to learn soon where he will be working out this summer: it could be anywhere from New Jersey to Michigan.

But no matter where it is, Benson realizes that he will probably be on his own. 

“There is going to be a lot of individual responsibility I’ll need to take care of,” Benson said. “We probably won’t be allowed to talk to the teams again until after the lockout is taken care of.” 

Benson said the Hawks told him they drafted him in the second round, 48th overall, because they liked his potential. That includes the shot-blocking skills he showed at OU along with the defense and athleticism that he brings to the game.

One of the most overlooked aspects of Benson’s game is his offensive skills, the Hawks told him. 

“I think they see me as being someone at the (center) position that they can pick and pop with because I can hit that jumper in the lane or from inside the arc,” Benson said. 

'I'll play hard' in Atlanta

Looking back on his college career Benson is pleased with his decision to attend OU. He played against some of the top teams in the country as the Golden Grizzlies scheduled top programs and twice made the NCAA tournament, losing in first round games to state-ranked Pittsburgh and Texas teams. 

Benson’s decision to attend OU continues to motivate him.

“Sometimes players from small schools really can make a name for themselves,” Benson said. “I really want to prove people wrong that you can go to a (non-power conference) school and make it.” 

Benson will work this summer to prove that his perceived weaknesses, according to draft evaluators, won't hurt his development. Those weaknesses have been described as a lack of strength for a big man and his “motor” or desire to play the game.

Benson had a chance following the draft to spend time with family and friends, but now is focused on working. 

“I know I do have to get stronger, but I feel like I can play in this league for a long time,” Benson said. “I proved that I can play hard in college. I’ll play hard here.”