Jason Bennett

Offered per Bennett. Visited June 18th (unofficial)

04/18/06: Listed as the 30th best player in his class. - www.RivalsHoops.com


09/16/05: Listed as the 50th best player in his class on the RSCI site - a consensus of six different recruiting services.

08/30/05: According to HoopMasters, Bennett lists - Connecticut, Clemson, Kentucky, Georgia, Miami (FL), Ohio State and Wake Forest. - www.HoopMasters.com (moved to inactive)

08/25/05: "Morgan said that Bennett was planning to commit to the Bearcats this week, having already spurned offers from Connecticut, Ohio State and Wake Forest in the last week. Now, Morgan said, Bennett has eliminated UC from his list. "Now it's totally out of the question," said Morgan, whose team was ranked No. 8 in the country by USA Today last season. "He has a bond with Coach Huggins. The family felt comfortable with him. I don't know how to say it...we've had a tough time. I have a good program here, and I'm sitting here with, besides Jason, five Division I recruits and some of them were going to follow Jason (to UC). As long as (Zimpher) is president there, none of them will go to Cincinnati." - CincyPost.com

08/23/05: "Seven-foot-two center Jason Bennett will not commit to UC as originally planned, said his high school coach, Rex Morgan. . . . "I thought Cincinnati would get Bennett," said recruiting analyst Clark Francis. "You can forget that now. This really just set recruiting back a couple of years." - Enquirer.com (5 to 1)

08/23/05: "We thought Huggins and his staff had a great shot to get 7'0 Jason Bennett from Jacksonville (Arlington Country Day) FL in their current recruiting class and that they also would likely get 6'5 Jr O.J. Mayo from Cincinnati (North College Hill) OH and 6'6 Jr Billy Walker from Cincinnati (North College Hill) OH in next year's recruiting class." - HoopScoop

08/09/05: Listed as the 42nd best player in his class. - Harrington/USA Today

08/08/05: "Clemson, Cincinnati, Georgia and Miami (Fla.) will be getting (the) four visits, according to (Bennett's coach Rex) Morgan, this fall." - www.RivalsHoops.com

08/04/05: Listed as the 23rd best player in his class. - www.RivalsHoops.com

08/02/05: Listed as the 82nd best player in his class. - HoopScoop

07/15/05: "Bennett said he's narrowed out his list to a top five of Cincinnati, North Carolina, Miami, Georgia and Clemson. The Bearcats head coach Bob Huggins made an appearance on the sidelines. Miami head coach Frank Haith was a fixture at every Tropics game. Georgia and Clemson had assistants on close watch. Carolina head coach Roy Williams saw Bennett go at it with Spencer Hawes, one of the top targets for the Heels.

Bennett said he might be making an unofficial visit to Clemson after the busy July period. The Tigers are a newer school in his list. So is North Carolina and Georgia. What gives?
"With North Carolina, I just like that school. I mean, they are the National Champions," Bennett said. "Georgia has my man Mike Mercer. That's my guy. I'd like to play with him. Plus they made an in-school visit and showed me some love." - www.RivalsHoops.com

07/14/05: "Coach Bobby Huggins has been courtside at all of Bennett's games." - www.RivalsHoops.com

07/14/05: ". . . to impress with a new and more aggressive game at the Peach Jam. He has been a real force in the paint. . . " - www.HoopMasters.com

07/13/05: "Jason Bennett's morning contingent included Bob Huggins who sent the entire Cincinnati staff. . . " -www.ScoutHoops.com

07/11/05: "Roy Williams, Ben Howland, Bill Self, Lorenzo Romar, Skip Prosser, Frank Haith and Leonard Hamilton were the head coaches in attendance for the Spencer Hawes and Jason Bennett match-up. Assistants Andy Kennedy and Josh Pastner were also checking out the action." (snip) "Bennett did what he does best and that was play solid defense inside. He blocked six shots, snatched down nine boards and scored seven points." - www.RivalsHoops.com

07/10/05: "Listed as the 5th best center at the Nike Camp. - www.HoopMasters.com

07/10/05: "I probably would have committed if Huggs had his extension." - Jason Bennett, on www.BearcatLair.com

07/10/05: Named 44th best overall player at the Nike Camp, 5th best center. - HoopScoop

07/10/05: "Jason Bennett drew (the attention of) Clemson's Kevin Nickelberry, Miami's Fernandez and Cincinnati's Frank Martin. - www.ScoutHoops.com

07/09/05: "Cincinnati assistant Frank Martin was front and center for Jason Bennett. Miami was repped by assistant Jorge Fernandez. (snip)
Jason Bennett swatted away a handful of shots in one game and even made a 3-pointer." - www.ScoutHoops.com

07/09/05: "Bennett had 11 blocks, 8 points and 8 rebounds against Arizona Friday afternoon. At one point, Bennett followed a teammate's missed shot with a two-hand power dunk and then sprinted downcourt to block a shot at the other end. "Every time he takes the court now, his confidence is growing," Alvarez said. "He's a tremendous intimidator."

Bennett followed his afternoon performance with another top job on Friday night. He had 10 points, 7 rebounds and 6 blocks. At one point, he got a rebound and made a reverse dunk in traffic. Later, he showed his range on his jump shot, making a 15-footer. Earlier Friday, Bennett got the best of much-hyped, 6-11 Seattle center Spencer Hawes in a three-on-three game. Among other shots, Bennett hit a Jabbar-like sky hook.

Among the college teams tracking Bennett all day were Miami, Cincinnati, U-Conn, Georgia, Clemson, Texas and Oklahoma. "Jason is by far the best shot-blocker in the camp," Morgan said. "His enthusiasm and aggressiveness have impressed numerous coaches." - www.hoop-rap.com

07/08/05: "The tallest player at Nike Camp, 7-3 Jason Bennett of Jacksonville, Fla., said Bob Huggins' unresolved future at Cincinnati won't be factor in his decision. Bennett is expected to choose between Cincinnati and Miami, and says his goal is to enter the 2007 NBA Draft. Huggins' contract runs through the 2006-07 season. "So he'll be there for (my one year of college) if I choose Cincinnati," Bennett said." - Sportsline.com

07/07/05: "Word has it that Jason Bennett has been hard at work. Each time we looked across the gym, he was making good plays." - PrepStars.com

07/07/05: "Bennett was the Tropics' biggest star Wednesday night, playing nearly flawlessly as his Michigan State team defeated Purdue 78-65. (snip) Bennett was outstanding, scoring nine points on 3-of-4 shooting from the field and making all three of his free throws. He also added two blocks and three rebounds in a performance that had to make college coaches drool. Bennett, who has indicated that Cincinnati and Miami are his front-runners, is taking his time in this important decision." - Hoop-Rap.com

07/07/05: Bennett had the tallest reach of any player at the Nike Camp at 9 foot 2. (standing flat-footed with arms extended overhead)

07/04/05: "Bennett, who has already visited front-runner Cincinnati, is also interested in Miami, Georgia and Georgia Tech. But since July is a month where college coaches are allowed to contact recruits, expect a huge line forming around Bennett. - Hoop-Rap.com

06/20/05: Listed as the 66th best player in his class on the RSCI list (consensus of five recruiting services)

06/18/05: "Jason Bennett, a 7-foot-2, 240-pound center from Arlington Country Day school in Jacksonville, Fla., is scheduled to arrive in Cincinnati this morning with his parents and his high school coach, Rex Morgan. Because it's an unofficial visit, Bennett, his family and his coach must pay their own expenses.

Morgan confirmed Friday that Bennett is making the visit. He said Bennett has narrowed his choices to UC, Miami (Fla.), Georgia and Clemson, and that he plans to sign a letter of intent during the November signing period. He said Bennett's interest in UC has much to do with coach Bob Huggins." - www.Enquirer.com

06/16/05: "Bennett, a 7-3 center with tremendous defensive skills and an emerging offensive game, will take a recruiting trip this weekend to the University of Cincinnati. After that, it will be Miami, Georgia and Georgia Tech." - www.hoop-rap.com

06/16/05: "7-0 Jason Bennett takes an unofficial visit to Cincinnati this coming Friday. Miami Tropics coach Art Alvarez says Cincinnati could be the school to beat and wouldn't be surprised if a verbal came short thereafter." - www.Hoopmasters.com

06/15/05: "The towering center has always been a top prospect on defense. But it wasn't until this summer with the Tropics that his offensive game started to develop. With a much stronger body and growing confidence, Bennett's upside is tremendous. "I definitely want to leave the Jacksonville area to go to college," said Bennett, who helped Arlington Country Day win a state title in Class 2A. "That is why I am looking at Cincinnati and also Miami." - www.hoop-rap.com

06/14/05: "Bennett confirms that Cincinnati leads Miami-FL and Arizona." - HoopScoop (4 to 5)

06/12/05: "his offensive game is still a work in progress." - www.ScoutHoops.com

06/10/05: Photo
http://www.hoop-rap.com/images/newspics/42a59c0ebb115.jpg

06/08/05: "Floridian Jason Bennett, who stands 7-foot-3, has improved leaps and bounds both on the court and with his self-esteem. He's showing why so many high-major programs are high on his future. Cincinnati and FSU has emerged are the leaders for his services."
Listed as the 34th best player in his class. - www.RivalsHoops.com

06/06/05: Listed as the 80th best player in his class. - www.PrepSpotlight.com

05/29/05: "Miami Tropic center Jason Bennett struggled in his early morning session against Memphis, laying the dreaded goose egg but the 7-footer plus still managed to make an impact near the glass with his rebounding and shotblocking. Cincinnati and Miami currently lead and Bennett will visit Bearcat campus unofficially on June 17th." - www.RivalsHoops.com

05/24/05: "Another situation we are monitoring is that of 7-3 Tropics center Jason Bennett, who has narrowed his college choice to Cincinnati, Arizona, U-Conn, Illinois, Kentucky, Florida and Miami.

Bennett, who has lived in Jacksonville his whole life, has told Hoop-Rap that he would prefer to leave Florida for college. That would seem to eliminate the Gators and Hurricanes.

However, perhaps Canes Coach Frank Haith, an expert recruiter, can convince Bennett that Miami is far different from anything he is used to in Jacksonville.

Miami could certainly use Bennett's shot-blockng skills. Bennett's stock has risen dramatically this summer with the Tropics. He has faced top competition and not backed down an inch.

Still, Miami is not the favorite at this time. "Jason is leaning toward Cincinnati," Alvarez said. "A decision is coming for him, too." - HoopRap.com

05/12/05: Listed as the 75th best player in the country, in his class. - ScoutHoops.com

05/10/05: Listed as the 35th best player in his class. - www.PrepStars.com

05/03/05: ". . . he is much better at this point than 2005 prospect Jared Carter, who eventually had offers from GTech, UNC, Kentucky, BC and Illinois." - RivalsHoops.com

05/02/05: "The evolution of Bennett's improvement began in November with early morning workouts in the weight room and gym. With added strength and improving skills came an upsurge in confidence which resulted in a much harder playing big man. - www.RivalsHoops.com

04/27/05: "He finished in close in traffic and showed a deadly little jump hook and a new found ability to out run opponents in transition." - www.HoopMasters.com

04/24/05: "Its amazing what a dose of confidence can do for a kid. Clearly he's become more comfortable and confident in his abilities. Against Hawes, he dropped in a jump hook and ran the floor for a tip dunk in transition. Hawes was outstanding but Bennett didn't look too shabby himself. There's a buzz out there about his game and deservedly so." - ScoutHoops.com

04/24/05: "The race for Bennett's signature is tightening up as Florida is no longer the clear cut favorite for Bennett, whose stock is on a tremendous upsurge. Bennett said he has likes and has offers from Florida, Cincinnati, Illinois, Arizona, Kentucky and Connecticut. In his words, all these schools are "kind of evening up." - RivalsHoops.com

04/20/05:
http://www.hoop-rap.com/news/newsview.php?getstory=206
"Bennett averaged an astounding 10.8 blocked shots per game to lead the Tropics to a 3-2 record and a berth in the quarterfinals of the 96-team Spring Showcase in Las Vegas. "This is the best I've ever played," said Bennett, who also averaged 6.8 points and 10.8 rebounds in Las Vegas."

Bennett says he has received offers from Miami, Cincinnati, Illinois, Arizona, Clemson and Georgia, among others. Bennett's father, Harley Duane Bennett, is a Florida Gators fan who would love to see his son play in nearby Gainesville. "But it's Jason's choice," Harley Bennett said.

Jason Bennett, who wants to be a coach someday, has his own ideas of where he wants to play. "I'd really like to get out of Florida," said Bennett, who was born in Jacksonville. "I have been here my whole life. But I just want a good team and a good education." - Miami Tropics (3 to 4)

04/20/05: "Miami Tropics center Jason Bennett was the most improved player this weekend. Last year the 7-foot-2, 240-pound Bennett had trouble scoring in the paint with unorthodox footwork and a stiff upper body. This year, however, Bennett has come full circle. Not only has Bennett developed into a solid low post scoring option but has extended his arsenal to include a nice, soft baby-hook which is virtually impossible to stop.

Always an impressive shot-blocker, Bennett showed off his new found strength and stamina throughout the weekend while playing under control and consistently being involved on both ends of the floor. Just as importantly he has learned to play within himself and not become frustrated when things don't go his way." - RivalsHoops.com

04/18/05: "Bennett has gotten stronger and is running the court better, using longer strides. He also took the ball aggressively to the rim Saturday, attempting to dunk more frequently than we've seen from him in the past. He also swatted several shots, as one would hope and expect." - PrepStars.com

04/07/05: "Jason's getting interest from just about everybody in the country," said Morgan. "Cincinnati will be in here tomorrow. Also Auburn, Illinois, Miami, Florida and Georgia will all be here in the next two weeks." - RivalsHoops.com (1 to 3)

04/06/05: Listed as the 72nd best player in his class. - ScoutHoops.com

04/05/05: Listed as the 74th best player in his class. - PrepSpotlight.com

12/21/04: "he only had six points and six rebounds, but this was the best we've ever seen him play, as he ran the court, blocked shots, scored and rebounded inside, and was much more mobile, agile, and confident than he's been in the past." - HoopScoop

12/17/04: "All you need to know about him was summed up in a single sequence when he ran the floor and got a block in transition. Most bigs can’t change ends that easily." He finished with 8 pts and 7 rebs against Richard Hendrix, a 'five star' player - InsidersHoops.com

12/16/04: Will play in the City of Palms Classic. The team is ranked "No. 8 by USA Today, No. 9 by The Sporting News/School Sports; No. 10 by Student Sports Magazine". They will play a team from Athens ALA that is rated in two services top 50 in the country.

12/10/04: "Although Bennett was no match for Hansbrough, Bennett’s effort was admirable." - RivalsHoops.com

12/07/04: ". . . and sitting several seats away from Williams was Cincinnati head coach Bobby Huggins, who was there to see Bennett, whose top five includes Florida, Florida State, Wake Forest, and Arkansas. Remember, new Cincinnati assistant coach Frank Martin, who previously was the head coach at Miami (Senior) FL and an assistant coach at Northeastern, has all the right connections necessary to get this one done." - HoopScoop

12/07/04: "Playing against Tyler Hansbrough last Saturday night, Bennett, from Arlington Country Day High School in Jacksonville, Fla., utilized his size with much more aggression than he has played with in the past. And concerning Bennett’s recruitment, the No. 88 ranked player in the class of 2006 likes for schools with the nearby state university on top. "I am looking at Kentucky, Florida, Florida State and Arkansas," said Bennett. "Florida, Florida State and Arkansas have offered, and Florida is my favorite." - RivalsHoops.com

12/05/04: "Jason Bennett was only credited with four points and three rebounds, but to his credit the 7-2 junior stuck in there and endured several Tyler Hansbrough elbows. We were also glad to see that he is still sporting his signature mustache, we wouldn't recognize him without it." - PrepStars.com

12/02/04: "Bennett has added about 15 pounds of muscle due to increased work in the weight room. "He’s gotten so much better," Morgan said. "Hes so much more physical and he can score now. He couldn’t score in the post before. Now, when he catches it on the block, one player can’t guard him. He’s much stronger – the 15 pounds have made a big difference." - InsidersHoops.com

08/12/04: Listed as the 12th best center and 88th best player in his class. - RivalsHoops.com