It can be frustrating and difficult for collegiate athletes to see minimal playing time in their first year and still have a positive attitude moving forward. But sophomore guard Khaden Bennett, took it in stride.
The Texas native played just 16 games — logging 111 minutes — during his freshman campaign with Quinnipiac, and his season-high in points sat at just four. In other words, the guard was unable to contribute much of anything on the court.
But this year, whether it was just getting an opportunity or making a change in his game, Bennett has seen massive improvements during his sophomore season.
Bennett has multiplied his scoring average tenfold — from averaging 1.4 points per game to 11.3 while also seeing anywhere from 20-30 minutes a night.
But before he suited up for the Bobcats, Bennett played for South Grand Prairie high school in Grand Prairie, Texas under his father.
“He was my high school basketball coach in Texas, that was a big part of my development,” Bennett said. “Him being there every day continued to push me to be the best I can be every day. And in Texas, the talent level we have there is high, so every night, most games are gonna be hard teams.”
Not only was the talent level in Texas tough, Bennett had adversity to deal with. During his senior year he tore his ACL which not only set him back physically, but mentally.
“Not being able to walk for two months, having rehab every single day, I think just kind of shows my journey,” Bennett said. “Even when I got (to Quinnipiac) I continued to go through adversity. I think my injury continued to prepare me to keep going every day. You know, always believe in myself and just continue to keep going.”
But Bennett is not the only one who’s taken note of his journey as a Bobcat.
“I’m so proud of that kid,” junior forward Amarri Monroe said. “Being that he barely played last year, we all know he’s super talented and he got his chance this year. He just showed that he’s able to not only be a point guard but be a great player for us.”
Along with Monroe, Bennett pointed out former Quinnipiac guard Matt Balanc and graduate student guard Savion Lewis as key contributors to his development.
“Matt obviously, and Savion being the leader he is for us, just seeing how those guys prepare every day was big for me,” Bennett said.
With Bennett getting his opportunity to shine this year, head coach Tom Pecora continues to notice the small details he brings to the table.
“He does all the little things players need to do to become great,” Pecora said. “He’s a tough, gritty competitor and he’s just a solid part of the rotation.”
With Lewis missing three games in January due to injury, Bennett has been the primary ball-handler for the Bobcats, something that presents its own obstacles.
“I love the challenge,” Bennett said. “I love the opportunity of having the ball in my hands, having the game go through me. It’s what I’ve wanted to do since I was a little kid. I want to continue to gain the trust of my teammates, and have them trust me to be able to get them the ball and make the right decision.”
The opportunities will keep coming as Bennett continues to thrive this season. In the Bobcats’ most recent outing against Fairfield on Jan. 31, Bennett recorded 10 points and grabbed eight rebounds in several clutch situations to help Quinnipiac in its 81-69 victory.
Despite seeing little playing time during his first season in Hamden, Bennett has solidified his role on the Bobcats. His play on the court has made it clear the sophomore guard won’t get overlooked again.
