Benjamin returns to Canyon

March 8, 2024 By Frank Burlison Leave a Comment

Brandon Benjamin, a 6-foot-5 junior who averaged 13.7 points and 8.4 rebounds in 22 games for the Mater Dei High basketball team, has checked out of school and re-enrolled at Canyon of Anaheim, Monarchs Coach Gary McKnight confirmed Friday afternoon.

Benjamin was the Orange County Player of the Year last before transferring into Mater Dei.

He became eligible for the Monarchs after Christmas and was at his best for the Monarchs during the playoffs, including efforts of 22 points, 16 rebounds and six assists in the final CIF SS Open pool game with Roosevelt.

He also scored 19 points with nine rebounds in a second-round State Southern Regional D-I win over Centennial, and with 23 points and 10 rebounds in the semifinal win over Notre Dame.

The Monarchs’ season ended at 29-6 with a Tuesday night, 71-68, overtime regional final loss at St John Bosco.

Frank Burlison is a well-regarded basketball writer who was inducted into the U.S. Basketball Writers Association Hall of Fame in 2005. His opinions on the potential of high school and college players are widely respected and sought by college coaches and NBA scouts, personnel directors and general managers from coast to coast. Oh, yes – he can offer plenty of thoughts on movies, television and pop music. Yes, he can rank those, too. Hint: He’s a big The Godfather, Larry Sanders, The Wire and The Beatles loyalist.

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Gary McKnight

Frank Burlison is one of the most knowledgeable basketball people in the business! His passion for the game puts him at the top of the list. There are very few people whose evaluation skills I trust like I do Frank’s!

Gary McKnight

Winningest coach (892-81) in California boys’ basketball history during his 29 seasons at Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei

Marques Johnson

I have been a fan of Frank Burlison’s skills as a talent evaluator for over twenty years. He stands out as one of the absolute best in the business.

Marques Johnson

1977 National Player of the Year, 5x NBA All-Star

George Raveling

I’ve known Frank for at least 35 years and have the utmost respect for his writing as well as his understanding of, and insight into, basketball. His ability to evaluate basketball prospects is almost impeccable. Most coaches and scouts watch a player and can tell you how good he is NOW. What separates Frank from the others is that he can watch the same player and tell you how good he can be two or three years down the line.

George Raveling

3x Pac-10 Coach of the Year, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer

Director of International Basketball, Nike

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