In our latest installment of Getting To Know, we chat it up with Providence’s big man Ben Bentil. The 6-9 sophomore talks about how he ended up with the Friars, how he went from virtual unknown last season to the being the current BIG EAST scoring leader, what it’s like being Kris Dunn’s new wing man, his unabashed love of Manchester United and why more people will know his name come March.
BIGEAST.com: When you came out of St. Andrew’s High School (in Delaware) you were very highly recruited. Some of the schools that were after you were some BIG EAST schools and UConn. Why did you choose to go to Providence?
BENTIL: “I really loved the coaching staff. I felt really comfortable with the family atmosphere they have here. I liked the team and I felt like I connected with the guys when I was here so I just felt like this was the right spot.”
BIGEAST.com: So what is it like playing for Coach (Ed) Cooley?
BENTIL: “I think everyone loves him. He’s the kind of coach that tries to bring the best out of you and he puts you in a position to succeed.
BIGEAST.com: How do you go from a player who averaged 6.4 points and under five rebounds last year to leading the BIG EAST in scoring this season with 19.4 ppg?
BENTIL: “A lot of hard work, confidence and just an opportunity. Last year as a freshman I just had to accept my role, but that’s what I’m doing this year, too. My role has changed so I’m just out there doing anything I can to help my team win.”
BIGEAST.com: Do you think you have become the perfect wingman for Kris Dunn?
BENTIL: “Kris is a terrific player and he deserves everything he gets right now. But now when teams focus on Kris we need someone else to step up so I guess it’s me.”
BIGEAST.com: Ben, do you think a lot of people outside the Northeast know who you are yet?
BENTIL: “I’m not trying to be rude but I don’t really care if they do or not. I just try to go out there and deliver. Coach always tells me that if you’re good enough you will get known. But I really don’t know if people know about me.”
BIGEAST.com: What drives you to be the best you can be?
BENTIL: “I think I’m very competitive. Our coaches do a great job scouting and with the scouting report I see what they say about other players and the credit they give them. So then I think about what the other team must be thinking about me so in the game I want them to say, ‘He came to play.’”
BIGEAST.com: What do you think of your season so far, both yourself and the Friars?
BENTIL: “Individually I think I’m doing pretty good, but I could always do better. As for the team we take it one game at a time. We’re pretty happy where we are right now.
BIGEAST: Are you emerging as one of the best big men in the BIG EAST and can you develop into one of the best frontcourt players in the country?
BENTIL: “I think so, maybe. No matter what, you are the biggest fan of yourself so I’m happy with the way I’m playing right now and I know my team has a lot of confidence in me and that makes me feel good, that they know I can help them.
BIGEAST.com: What about this love affair you have with Manchester United?
BENTIL: (Laughs) “Well I’m originally from Ghana and soccer is a really big thing there and I played soccer myself when I was younger. So when I was watching the English Premier League one of my favorite players was David Beckham and he played for Manchester United so they became my team and I love them. I’m still a big fan and I try not to miss many games.
BIGEAST.com: You scored the game-winning bucket as time expired against Rhode Island this season with your tip-in off a Dunn missed layup. Is that the highlight of your year so far?
BENTIL: “I guess so. I just try to do anything possible to help my team win and that was just a great play to help my team get a win.”
BIGEAST.com: You and Kris are 1-2 in scoring in the BIG EAST. Are you two the top tandem in the conference?
BENTIL: “Well everybody knows what Kris can do and even I’m a fan of him. He’s just a great player. When he’s going and I get going, it’s very beneficial to the team so I guess I would say, yeah we are.
BIGEAST.com: Do you think by the time the March rolls around a lot more people will know who Ben Bentil is?
BENTIL: “Definitely. That’s the goal. You just have to make people respect you.”