Keith Benson
A college star who became a global basketball journeyman, proving his worth from the Horizon League to leagues across Europe and Asia.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American basketball player·Birthday: August 13·Millennials
Biography
Keith Benson's path in basketball is a classic tale of a dominant college player navigating the intricate global marketplace of professional hoops. At Oakland University, a mid-major program, the 6'11" center was a force of nature, putting up staggering numbers that made him impossible for scouts to ignore. His senior year crescendo—averaging a double-double and sweeping Horizon League Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors—led to his selection in the second round of the 2011 NBA Draft. While his NBA stint was brief, consisting of only a handful of games, it was merely the prologue. Benson embraced the life of an international professional, building a long and respected career across continents. His passport filled with stamps from Italy, China, Lithuania, the Philippines, and more, he became a reliable and skilled big man for teams worldwide. His legacy is one of persistence, showcasing that a successful career isn't defined by a single league, but by the ability to adapt and contribute anywhere the game takes you.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Keith was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Keith Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Keith's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named the Horizon League Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season (2010-11).
- Averaged 17.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game as a senior at Oakland University.
- Selected with the 48th overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2011 NBA Draft.
- Led the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) in rebounds during the 2017-18 season while playing for Lietkabelis.
Did You Know?
He was the first player from Oakland University to be drafted into the NBA since 1980.
Benson majored in studio art and has been known to create paintings and drawings.
He played for the Texas Legends in the NBA G League, where he was a teammate of former NBA All-Star Josh Howard.
“My job is to protect the paint and control the glass, every single night.”
