BENJAMIN: GOOD IN GRADES AND HOOPS

Fidel Benjamin had big dreams.

Just ask him.

Nothing wrong with that as a teenager, particularly athletes, who tend to go a bit off course sometimes tinkering with the limelight of scholarships, the hype and big times in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Eventually, reality sets in.

For Benjamin, a 6-foot-5 basketball forward with the George Brown College men's team, not only did he do the right thing - but helistened to advice from his mother: get your education, focus on a future and get on with it.

The 20-year old Benjamin, a native of the beautiful Caribbean island of St. Lucia, is a key component in the success of the Huskies basketball program. But his biggest accomplishment is academics: the highest grade point average on the team.

Benjamin left George Harvey Collegiate midway through grade 11 to attend Strong Vincent High School in Erie, Pa. Turns out, it wasn't his best move and Benjamin returned to Toronto graduate from Downsview Collegiate.

"I was naive and got caught up in all the hype of going to the United States - the big schools and more," he said. "I should have stayed in Canada and focus on what was best for me. A bit older now, I have learned a great deal."

Benjamin is studying in the Community Worker Program because getting in to his preferred course of studies (Business and Marketing) had class numbers filled. He plans to switch next semester to focus on a future career in real estate.

"It's all about confidence," he said. "When you have a bad day or game, reflect on it a bit, learn from the experience and move on."

Huskies head coach Jonathan Smith, his team having a 11-3 record, saw Benjamin last summer and suggested he think about George Brown.

"I have seen it happen before, young people go after their dreams and when it doesn't work, they come home," said Smith. "He knows he is doing the right thing now."

Benjamin, who had a season-high 23 points in a Sheridan College tournament loss last month, can be dangerous on offence, might be even better on the defensive side of the game.

"He communicates well and is a great defender," praised Smith. "He's got to work on his perimetre skills, but the way he is playing - he has the potential to be an OCAA all-star."

Source: George Brown College

Photo Credit: Michael Stefancic