Missouri State's Benson to enter transfer portal
Missouri State's Benson to enter transfer portal
MBB: Benson is the first departure after Missouri State fired Dana Ford Sunday
Missouri State sophomore forward NJ Benson announced on X/Twitter he plans to enter the transfer portal. Benson’s announcement comes two days after Missouri State Athletics Director Kyle Moats announced on Sunday the firing of Head Coach Dana Ford after six seasons of leading the MSU program.
“I would like to Thank God and to express my utmost gratitude to Missouri State, Coach Ford, my teammates and Bear fans who have provided me the love and support necessary to my growth as a person, as well as an athlete at MSU,” Benson wrote on X/Twitter. “With recent coaching staff changes and redefined personal goals, I’d like to express my intentions to enter the transfer portal and explore new opportunities that will allow me to reach my fullest potential. The Springfield community is one that I’ll never forget.”
The 6’8 Benson averaged 8.6 points and 7.9 rebounds for the Bears this season. He scored 12 points and grabbed ten rebounds in Missouri State’s win over Murray State in the opening round of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.
Former Murray State Head Coach Matt McMahon offered Benson a scholarship in July of 2021. The Racers, along with SIUE, Southern Illinois, Illinois State and Missouri State were in Benson’s final five coming out of the high school. The Mount Vernon, Illinois native visited Murray State in early September of 2021, but committed to Missouri State one month later.
Benson will have two years of eligibility remaining.