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Georgetown Offers, Benimon Accepts
Fifteen minutes before one of the biggest moments of his life, Jerrelle Benimon was working out in the Fauquier High School weight room.
Benimon emerged Tuesday only to announce at a ceremony in the school lobby that he had committed to play basketball at Georgetown University.
“It's important. I am excited,” Benimon, reserved as usual, said. “I've always wanted to go to Georgetown and play.”
The 6-foot-8 senior is expected to officially sign a letter of intent and accept a scholarship Wednesday.
“If I was signing with Georgetown, my head would be...Geez,” Fauquier basketball coach Wayne Brizzi said. “He's in there wanting to get his workout in. That's the kind of competitor he is.”
Benimon will become the third Fauquier High basketball player to receive a Division I scholarship. Current assistant basketball coach Duane Gilliam went to American University on full scholarship (1992) and Mike Fling went to Virginia Commonwealth (1968).
“Georgetown, in this area, you can't get any bigger than that,” Brizzi said. “He's got to be one of the best that's come through here.”
Benimon wasn't recruited by Division I programs until recent months, in part because he didn't play much AAU basketball, but Georgetown, Old Dominion and Longwood all offered scholarships eventually. Tulsa, Clemson and Mississippi also showed interest.
Benimon said his decision was difficult, especially considering the high level of play at Georgetown, but he has traveled to Georgetown every weekend for the last month to play with the Hoyas and that has eased any anxiety.
“At first I was kind of nervous, but I know I can handle my own now,” Benimon said.
Benimon said Georgetown made the scholarship offer Friday and Brizzi texted him with the news during the day.
Benimon averaged 22 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, three blocks and 1.6 steals per game this past season for Brizzi's Falcons and was named Cedar Run District player of the year for the second consecutive season. The Falcons finished 2009 with a 21-4 record and won both the Cedar Run District regular season and tournament championships.
“It's nice to see a kid that put in the work, to see him get rewarded with success,” Brizzi said. “He definitely deserves it.”
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