How did Benson Osayande get out of northern California?

The news recently broke that Team Sage member and Franklin High student-athlete Benson Osayande will be attending Casper College in Wyoming and playing for Coach Dan Russell. 

Here's Coach Russell on his new frontcourter: "We first came across him playing in summer AAU hoops with Team Sage. The coaching staff at Colorado state and Nevada contacted me about Benson as someone to possibly recruit. We had Benson on a visit and are really excited about his future."

He added, "With his athleticism and motor, we think Benson is someone who can help us defensively and rebounding the ball right away. At his height and having a 7 foot wing span, his ability to change shots and block shots will really help us. Benson has a very high ceiling and I think his best basketball is ahead of him."

The overriding question is how Osayande escaped the clutches of some of the DI teams in northern California?

Osayande is big, standing 6-foot-7 with the likelihood of adding a couple of inches.

He's strong plus additional weight will only make him more effective.

He possesses good quickness and maneuverability.

He handles the ball well for a big, even in the open court, and maintains good court vision besides being a willing passer.

He's an academic qualifier.

Yes, he did take a tumble early in the season and sustained a head injury which gave him a case of vertigo -- but all is fine now. That time off prevented as many viewings of him in action as his talent and potential deserves.

"The entire Team Sage coaching staff are happy with the development we've seen in Benson," offered Team Sage founder Wornel Simpson. "His positive attributes off the court transcend his abilities on the court and we feel with continued hard work, a strenuous weight-training regimen and his anticipated natural development, he will demonstrate his full arsenal offensively as well as defensively. We haven't had an opportunity to prepare a highlight video of the first seven games this season but last year's highlights pale in comparison with the tremendous jump he has taken. Casper was not alone in recognizing his talent, there were other offers. But Casper is where Benson wants to go and we support his decision wholeheartedly. "

Below are Osayande's highlights from playing with Team Sage from last summer:

 


Here are some 2013 Osayande Franklin High highlights: