Corey Benjamin
Full Name: Corey Benjamin
Position: Guard
Height/Weight: 6-6 / 200
Birthdate: February 24, 1978 (Compton, CA)
High School: Fontana HS (Fontana, CA)
College: Oregon State
Participated in training camp with the Orlando Magic in 2002. Started 2001-02 season in Italy with Montegranaro in the Italian A-2 League, playing in nine games and scoring eight total points. Came back to the states and hooked on with the Southern California Surf in the ABA, averaging 13.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in 25 games. Played with the Chicago Bulls in the NBA for three seasons, from 1998-99 to 2000-01. Averaged 4.7 points and 1.5 rebounds in 65 games in 2000-01. Averaged career-high 7.7 points and 1.8 rebounds in 1999-00 season, playing in 48 games and starting 10 times. Appeared in 31 games as a rookie in 1998-99, averaging 3.8 points and 1.3 rebounds in 10.3 minutes a game. Had career highs of 21 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the 1st round (#28 pick overall) of the 1998 NBA Draft.
Early entry candidate for the 1998 NBA Draft. Finished collegiate career ranked seventh in school history in three-point field goals made with 64.
As a sophomore, averaged 19.8 points and 5.0 rebounds. Led team in scoring, ranking second in the Pac-10. Also led team in rebounding. Scored career-high 36 points twice, against Arizona and Oregon. Recorded two double-doubles on the season: a 36 point, 10 rebound effort against Arizona State and a 25 point, 11 rebound game against Hawaii-Hilo. Scored 33 points and grabbed nine rebounds against Southern Cal. Earned honorable mention All-Pac 10 and All-American mention.
As a freshman, averaged 14.9 points and 4.0 rebounds. Played in 23 games, missing the first four games of the season due to the NCAA requiring him to retake the ACT test. Led team in scoring. Paced team in scoring in eight games. Tallied 20 or more points on five occasions. Named Pac-10 Player of the Week after scoring 57 points in two games against Stanford and California. Was named to the Pac-10 All-Freshman Team.
