The Illini are losing their second player to the transfer portal after freshman forward Naomi Benson announced on X Wednesday afternoon her decision to transfer with three more years of eligibility.
“First, I want to thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to play for the University of Illinois,” Benson wrote online. “I want to thank the University, the coaching staff, and my teammates for helping me develop not only as a player but as a person!”
Despite being a freshman, Benson played in 21 games this season for a total of 74 minutes. When Benson was in the rotation for the Illini, she was utilized almost as a center when redshirt sophomore center Lety Vasconcelos needed a break or when sophomore center Hayven Smith wasn’t playing her best.
Even though Benson didn’t show up on the stat sheet a lot in her rookie season, her performances across 21 games showed signs of improvement and what could have been a strong future at Illinois. She was becoming a more consistent defender and was growing more confidence to grab rebounds.
“And I’ve said it before, I think she’s going to have a really bright future here with us at Illinois, and she’s going to be a really good player,” said head coach Shauna Green in February.
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Green spoke highly of Benson this season. Green knew that with time at Illinois, Benson could grow into an even stronger player with the performances she was already showing in her first season.
“That’s the thing, she’s putting the work in,” Green said in February. “She’s been locked in, she gave us the rebounding. She can give us defense. She just needs to continue to be disciplined in all the other areas.”
Benson now joins Smith as the second Illini to enter the transfer portal so far. With Benson and Smith gone, Illinois’ frontcourt is facing a massive hole. Vasconcelos can’t be the only length and size in the paint that Illinois has against its opponents next season. Green and the program now have a chance to add centers to the Illini’s roster this offseason.
Regardless of where Benson decides to continue her athletic career, she is sure to be an asset wherever her new journey takes her. Out of high school, Benson had over 40 offers and ultimately decided on joining Green and the Illini.
“Sky’s the limit for her,” Green said in late January. “She’s so mobile, she’s athletic, she rebounds at a high level. She’s not afraid to get in there and bang.”
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