Kyle Benton’s journey to success began at Gahr High School in the vibrant city of Cerritos, CA. It was here that his undeniable talent and unwavering determination caught the attention of basketball enthusiasts across the nation. During his junior year, Kyle’s remarkable performance on the court, boasting an impressive average of 12.0 points per game and 9.5 rebounds, garnered substantial interest from Division 1 powerhouses such as UNLV, Colorado State, Portland State, and many more, recognizing his exceptional potential.
Seeking a new challenge for his senior year, Kyle made the bold decision to transfer to St. Anthony College Preparatory, a prestigious Catholic high school nestled in the heart of Long Beach, CA. This pivotal move allowed him to further refine his skills and solidify his place as a rising star in the basketball realm. It was during this transformative year that Kyle committed to Portland State University, marking the beginning of an illustrious college career.
Kyle’s senior season at St. Anthony was nothing short of spectacular. He dominated the court, averaging an astounding 16.0 points per game and 12.5 rebounds, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with. In recognition of his remarkable achievements, Kyle received esteemed accolades such as First Team All Santa Fe League honors and All-City honors, validating his exceptional abilities and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Fueled by an insatiable hunger for growth, Kyle embarked on a new chapter by transferring to San Bernardino Valley junior college. This strategic move allowed him to re-open his recruitment and showcase his skills on a larger stage. Averaging an impressive 12.9 points per game and 7.6 rebounds, Kyle proved instrumental in leading his team to a first-place conference title. Throughout the season, he consistently exhibited his prowess, reaching remarkable milestones like a season-high 27 points and 11 rebounds against Pasadena. His exceptional performance did not go unnoticed, as offers poured in from esteemed institutions such as Houston, Seattle, and NC Central.
With a wealth of options before him, Kyle made the resolute choice to join the esteemed ranks of North Carolina Central University. This decision proved to be a turning point in his career, as he displayed unwavering dedication and prowess on the court. Averaging 10 points per game and commanding the team with 8.5 rebounds per game, Kyle played an instrumental role in guiding the North Carolina Central Eagles to an impressive (25-9) overall season record. His leadership contributed to securing a Regular Season Championship and a coveted MEAC Conference Tournament Title, placing the Eagles on the national stage.
Undoubtedly, Kyle’s exceptional journey reached its pinnacle with an appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Although the team faced a challenging match in the #FirstFour in Dayton against UC Davis, Kyle’s unyielding spirit shone brightly. Leading all scorers with an impressive 13 points and emerging as the team’s dominant force with 12 rebounds, he left an indelible mark on the court, proving his mettle as an extraordinary athlete.
• Accolades:
*Team Captain (16-17)
*2nd in the conference Rebounds per game (16-17)
*4x MEAC Defensive Player of the Week (16-17)
*1x MEAC Defensive Player of the Week (15-16)
Kyle against Houston Rockets Forward Jae'Sean Tate
• After going undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft, Kyle tried out for the Agua Caliente Clippers (Los Angeles Clippers G-League affiliate) for pre-season before playing overseas. He spent time in Germany, Mexico, India, and Spain. While in Spain, halfway through the season Benton averaged 15.5ppg 6.1rebs, shooting 54% FG and 62% from 3!! Leading the team in every stat and one of the top scorers in the league. Kyle suffered an ankle injury which limited his playing time throughout the season. A month later, the team announced that he had torn 2 ligaments in his left ankle and would have to end his season for surgery. This led to his decision to retire from the game and give back to upcoming generation of basketball players.
” For most of my career I was overlooked, and it wasn’t until I met a coach who played at the level I wanted to play when things started to turn. Somethin’ To Prove Basketball was built to represent that with hardwork, dedication, and consistency you can achieve your dreams. I want kids to not worry about rankings and scouting reports and just focus on the work, both on and off the court …”