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Providence’s Ben Bentil Headlines College Basketball’s Unsung Heroes

By Nathan Giese

Dec 9, 2015; Providence, RI, USA; Providence Friars forward Ben Bentil (0) celebrates against the Boston College Eagles during the first half at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2015; Providence, RI, USA; Providence Friars forward Ben Bentil (0) celebrates against the Boston College Eagles during the first half at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 19, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Providence Friars forward Ben Bentil (0) and guard Kris Dunn (3) celebrate against the Butler Bulldogs during the second half at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Providence Friars forward Ben Bentil (0) and guard Kris Dunn (3) celebrate against the Butler Bulldogs during the second half at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

Ben Bentil, Providence Friars

Much of the preseason publicity in college basketball was centered around a few individuals, most notably Providence’s Kris Dunn. He made noise by returning to school rather than going for the millions the NBA could’ve offered him, and it’s paid off great for him. Averaging career-highs in points, rebounds, steals and three-point shooting, Dunn deserves praise.

Ben Bentil, however, deserves the bulk of the credit for Providence’s great season.

There’s no way the Friars (18-4) would be as good as they are with just Dunn doing everything. Bentil has provided the much-needed second punch for Providence, one that would garner him Most Improved Player accolades if college basketball did that sort of thing.

Playing as a rather undersized big man, the 6-foot-9 Bentil is dominating opponents, averaging a team-leading 20.3 points and 8.1 rebounds, playing extremely physical basketball. He doesn’t care in the post, he’ll take it inside and finish.

Dunn’s ability to drive and dish have really opened up Bentil’s play this year. They complement each other so well that it’s hard to find a better 1-2 punch in major college basketball. They feed off each other and it’s propelled Providence into the top 15 in both national polls.

Bentil went from somebody few people ever heard of to being discussed as a potential sleeper pick in this year’s NBA Draft. His play has elevated Dunn and made Providence dangerous and his absence proved detrimental in their loss at DePaul on Tuesday.

Next: Keith Hornsby