Here comes Osayande

Yes, he primarily played on the junior varsity team as a sophomore -- averaging 13.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.4 blocked shots a game -- before being called up to the varsity near the end of the season. But in the big picture, it's the promise he shows, displayed in flashes, and creating the sense that he could become someone special on the court

6-foot-7 2014 Team Sage and Franklin High frontcourt prospect Benson Osayande is definitely one to watch even as a relative unknown entering his junior year.

It's what he brings to and displays on the court that creates such a label. An excellent athlete who flies up and down the court, he closes out well.

Osayande concurs. Asked his best talent, he offered "driving to the basket and finishing in the paint."

But as Team Sage Founder and Coach Wornel Simpson puts it: "Although Benson says his best quality is offensively going to the basket, when he's really going on the defensive side, his rebounding and shot blocking are game-changers. He's a quick jumper and is capable of blocking multiple shots back to back-to-back and I've seen it!"

Osayande is currently on the thin side at 190 pounds and his skills set is still being burnished but his long arms, seven-foot wing span and high motor creates major level projections in the minds of college evaluators.

 Simpson believes there is no ceiling: "Benson will be in the Pac-12 before it's all over."

Speaking about the activity level of his star player, Simpson added, "He has a tendency to go too fast. However, Benson is very coachable and adheres to correction positively."

Further understanding of when to do what and where will come with greater time and experience.

But Simpson already knows this: "Benson will be a focal point at Franklin [High] this year," a school which loses Theo Johnson to graduation and with Darin Johnson transferring to Sheldon High.

Osayande believes he is ready to show more.

"It's a matter of confidence," he offered, indicating his growth from his frosh season to now. "I definitely feel like I've improved from when I was a freshman and can impact the game in a positive way."

Introduced to basketball as a six-year-old by his father, it was his alliance with Team Sage that aided his improvement.

"I joined when I was in the eighth grade," Osayande explained. He and Simpson crossed paths, a chemistry developed and the teaming up has proven beneficial to all.

Being with Team Sage also offers the opportunity for Osayande to perform as other than a post player as Simpson desires that all his players handle and pass the ball regardless of height or bulk.

In the academic portion of the equation, Osayande is already aces, owning a 3.5 grade point average.