Will Bennett Poised For Superb Senior Season

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Will Bennett, a rising senior at The Albany Academy, is set to break out this upcoming season. The 5’11, 177 lb. guard, who ran with the Albany City Rocks 17U EYBL squad this summer, was a standout this past year.

This upcoming season will mark Bennett’s third at the varsity level, an impressive feat, considering the talent Academy boasts year after year. During his sophomore campaign, Bennett was a role player. However, he did so willingly, and proved to be a vital piece in their run to the NYS Federation Final where they lost to Canisius 48-44. Bennett said the loss was definitely not the outcome he wanted, but that he was able to leave the season with an abundance of knowledge and confidence, thanks to his squad’s two seniors. This past season, Bennett wasready to step in and take a starting spot. However, he broke a bone in his foot that required surgery in July. When he finally was cleared to play in October, he worked harder than ever to get back to a point where he’d be able to help his team and that hard work was noticeable. Bennett firmly established himself as one of the premier players in the area and put together a number of masterful performances. He handled the ball, defended like hell, and did whatever it was his team needed. Will is a great leader and ultimately helped guide Academy back to the NYS Federation Tournament of Champions. In the T.O.C. semifinals, Academy was set to play Canisius, the same team they had lost to in the finals a year before. Bennett welcomed the challenge, though, and was hungry to get his revenge. Bennett’s key free throws late in the game allowed Albany Academy to retain the lead and upset Canisius 63-51, gaining revenge for last year’s title game loss. Academy went on to beat Elmont in the Federation Final. For his efforts in both games, Bennett earned a spot on the All-tournament team.

Bennett possesses a variety of skills on both ends of the court. He loves to lead his team and has the ability to be a set-up man. He can attack the defense with an array of dribble moves, get to the bucket, and finish strong at the rim. He really came into his own as a jump shooter this year, and knocked down an abundance of threes. He is deadly off the catch and shoot, but can also knock it down off the bounce with consistency. Beyond everything else, he’s an exceptional passer. Bennett gets into the teeth of the defense with ease, and has become adept at kicking out to open shooters and dumping the ball to big men down low. He can pass the ball well with both hands and knows where his teammates are at all times. Will has a knack for finding the open man in transition and is capable of creating plays. Above all else, he has a very high basketball IQ and great feel for the game. On the defensive end, Will is an absolute pest. He gets right up into his opponent and refuses to give up anything easy. He’s very disruptive in the passing lanes as well, and has a knack for stripping the ball and getting out in transition. He came up with some timely defensive stops in big games this past year.

Bennett has garnered interest at the Division 1 level from schools such as Columbia University and Brown University. Multiple Division 3 schools––including Hamilton College, Trinity College and Tufts University––have also reached out to Will. This offseason, Bennett has been working with esteemed trainer Steve “Dags” D’Agostino. He cited “continued skill development and in-depth breakdown of the game” as his main focus points. In addition, he’s been working out with Phelps Gym to improve his strength and athleticism. This past season, Will averaged 10.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game, and shot 85% from the line. He’s determined to improve those numbers, though, and feels that his hard work in the offseason has made him more than ready to excel this season.

I had the chance to ask Will a few questions, as well:
Q: What do you believe are your best skills as a basketball player?
A: I’ve always been able to control the pace of the game and have a heightened comfort level with the ball. I definitely attribute some of that to my ability to shoot from the perimeter and stretch the floor.
Q: Have you set any team goals for this upcoming season?
A: This year’s team is very different than last year’s. As a captain of a team with only four seniors, I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to bring everyone together and learn how to be a family. As a team, we are going to try and replicate that chemistry we had last year and hopefully return to the Federation Final and end up on top.
Q: Any personal goals?
A: Personally, I aspire to be selected as a Channel 13 News All-star. Besides that, I can only hope to help my team as much as possible.
Q: What are some things you like to do outside of basketball?
A: Outside of basketball, I try and spend a lot of time with my family and friends. Growing up with four older siblings, I feel that my appreciation for my family is increased. I consider my friends that I am close with my family.
Q: Are you involved in any “community-bettering” activities?
A: I have been involved with the Straight Shooters program, which helps underprivileged kids get a reinforced Albany Academy experience. I tutor students most Sundays during the school year. The cool part about the program is that once the students complete their work, we take them in the gym and help them develop skills on the court, too.
Q: What kind of student are you?
A: I have always excelled in the classroom. Junior year, I took two AP courses and maintained a 3.9 GPA.
Q: What impact do you feel you would bring to a college team?
A: I feel that I would have a really positive impact on a college program. I have been in a true program that resembles a college program much more than other high schools. Due to that, I have a higher basketball IQ than most. The learning curve for college basketball is steep, but I feel that when I join a team I will be ready to contribute right away.
Q: Every kid who plays basketball thinks they’re good. What do you think you are?
A: I’ve always considered myself humble when it comes to basketball. However, I know that I am a good player and I have never needed anyone to tell me that. I have worked extremely hard to get to where I am and have confidence in my game.

Danny Cohen-Staff writer