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Ben Bentil to Test NBA Waters

Ben Bentil Butler Scream

After some speculation this afternoon it was officially announced via a press release by Providence and by Ben Bentil on Twitter that the PC sophomore has declared himself for the NBA Draft, but has not hired an agent.

The move makes sense for Bentil, as he now has until May 25 to withdraw his name from the Draft, or enter depending on what he hears from NBA scouts.

Here is the release from PC:

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Providence College sophomore forward Ben Bentil (Wilmington, Del.) announced today that he will declare for the NBA Draft but he will not hire an agent.  By not hiring an agent, Bentil will have the option of returning for his junior season if he withdraws his name from the NBA Draft by Wednesday, May 25.

“I have decided to declare for the NBA Draft and go through the workout process over the next six weeks,” Bentil said.  “I intend on staying in school this spring and finishing my sophomore year.  I am not hiring an agent so that I have the option of returning to Providence College for my junior season.”

Bentil, a 6-9 forward, had a breakout season for the Friars.  He was named BIG EAST Most Improved Player and First Team All-BIG EAST after he led the BIG EAST in scoring (21.2) and finished fourth in the league in rebounding (7.7 rpg).  Bentil scored 20 or more points in 21 of the team’s 35 games, including a season-high 42 points at Marquette.  His 42-point effort versus Marquette is the most points ever scored by a Providence sophomore in a game. His 738 points scored for the season ranks as the sixth highest single-season total ever at Providence and most ever scored by a Friar sophomore.

“We support Ben and as he goes through this process,” Providence College Head Coach Ed Cooley said.  “We believe this will enable him to gain valuable experience and have better knowledge about when it will be best for him to pursue his dreams of playing in the NBA.”

Providence College posted a 24-11 mark, including a 1-1 record in the NCAA Tournament this year.  In addition to finishing fourth in the BIG EAST with a 10-8 record, the Friars earned their third consecutive NCAA Tournament berth.  Providence defeated Southern California in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament before being eliminated by North Carolina in the Second Round. 

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