Prospect Spotlight: Benson Lin (2018)
The time has come for the U.S. to get to know Benson Lin. The Taiwanese player from Wesley Christian was first introduced to the world after the Circuit Riders defeated national powerhouse Huntington Prep last November. Lin, a junior, dropped 29 points and made 6 of 8 three-point field goals. The game warranted a nicely written piece by ESPN.com, claiming that we all may be witnessing a new “Linsanity”.
“Our year at Wesley Christian went really well,” said Lin of last season’s success. “We won the NACA/FCA national championship and finished the season with 33 wins – which is a school record.” Averaging over 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, Lin quickly started picking up interest from a number of college coaches across the country.
Now playing AAU with nationally recognized Louisville Magic on the adidas Gauntlet Gold Circuit, Benson is sure to pick even more interest as the summer continues. “Playing on the Gauntlet has been a good experience. We are undefeated after the first two weekends. I have some interest coming from HM’s such as West Virginia, Oklahoma, Butler, Creighton, and Oregon State. I’m very grateful to hold offers from Winthrop, Elon, Rice, Stetson, and Drexel.”
Individually, Lin hopes to become the first Taiwanese player to play at the high major college level. “That’s the goal, but honestly playing for a school that is a good fit for me is still very important. How a school plans to use me and develop my skills really matters to me.” During the off-season Benson plans to work and improve his defense and ball-handling.
Through the first two “live periods” (while playing on the Gauntlet’s Gold Circtuit), Benson Lin is averaging 10.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. Save to say the Louisville Magic is enjoying a bit of the new “Linsanity”.