Kent Benson

Kent Benson is an American former professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association. He has played in the NBA with 4 teams for almost 10 seasons. Teams he has played with include the Milwaukee Bucks, Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons, and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Michael Kent Benson was born on December 27, 1954, in New Castle, Indiana, United States. He stands 6 feet 11 inches tall and weighed 235 pounds during his playing days.

After his basketball career, Benson worked in life insurance, estate planning, car auction commentary, and educational services. He has four daughters: Andrea, Ashley, Elizabeth, and Gennie. Ashley Benson played volleyball at Indiana University and later became an assistant volleyball coach.

Gennie Benson played volleyball at Vincennes University.

High School and College Career

Benson attended Chrysler High School in New Castle, Indiana. He played college basketball at Indiana University from 1973 to 1977.

He was a two-time consensus first-team All-American, the 1976 Helms Foundation Player of the Year, and the 1976 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player.

Benson helped lead Indiana to the 1976 NCAA championship. The Hoosiers later retired Jersey Number 54 in his honor.

Professional Career

Benson was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1977 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks.

He played for the Milwaukee Bucks from 1977 to 1980, the Detroit Pistons from 1980 to 1986, Utah Jazz from 1986 to 1987, and the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1987 to 1988. Later, he played for Vismara Cantù in Italy for the 1988 to 1989 season.

He retired shortly after.

Career Highlights

• 1976 – NCAA champion
• 1976 – NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player
• 1976 – Helms Foundation Player of the Year
• 1976, 1977 – Consensus first-team All-American
• 1977 – Big Ten Player of the Year
• 1973 – Indiana Mr. Basketball
• 1973 – Third-team Parade All-American
• 1989 – Indiana University Athletics Hall of Fame
• 1999 – Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame