THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, October 19, 1994 TAG: 9410190586
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY STEVE CARLSON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 45 lines
Radee Benson didn't even leave Old Dominion's campus before he decided he wanted to return for four years.
Benson announced Tuesday he verbally committed to join the Monarchs' basketball program during his visit last weekend. The 6-foot-5 guard/forward from Elizabeth, N.J., is ODU's first recruit of the fall, and its most highly rated since center Odell Hodge.
In its preseason college basketball magazine, The Sporting News lists Benson the 64th-best high school senior in the nation. The ACC Basketball Handbook lists him one spot lower among the nation's top seniors. One publication called Benson the 15th-best prospect out of the 120 who attended the prestigious Adidas ABCD camp last summer, while recruiting scout Van Coleman termed him a major college player.
Benson canceled a recruiting trip this weekend to Georgetown. He didn't take any other official visits.
NCAA rules prohibit Old Dominion coaches from commenting on a player until he signs a national letter of intent, which Benson will be able to do Nov. 9.
``I think he'll be a good player for Old Dominion,'' said recruiting analyst Brick Oettinger of The Poop Sheet, who rated Benson a mid-major to high-major prospect.
Benson is from Elizabeth, just south of Newark.
``It's the kind of environment I need,'' Benson said of ODU. ``I'm used to the city life and I need to get away from it. I was very happy at Old Dominion with the coaches and the players - I liked everybody.''
Benson's commitment could lead to another. Benson said he and Mark Holland, a 6-7 forward from Fort Wayne, Ind., became friends during their visit and agreed if one committed to ODU, the other would as well.
Holland could not be reached for comment Tuesday, but his mother said he has not made a decision yet.
Benson's St. Patrick's High School team is rated the fifth-best in the nation in Street & Smith's preseason magazine. Last season Benson averaged about 15 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 assists. by CNB