In the realm of collegiate sports recruitment, the journey often involves exceptional talent that promises a bright future for a team. Colton Benson, a rising basketball star for New Ulm’s Basketball team, has recently committed/ signed his letter of intent to Mankato State University, leaving a profound impression on Coach Dennis with his remarkable skills.

Colton has been playing hoops since 3rd grade and has kept with it all his life. “His work ethic, the ability to get open and create space, and lastly the ability to knock down shots has been present since he was young,” Tim Fossen (NUBBA coach of Colton since 5th grade) said.

Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, Benson’s athletic prowess on the court has been a topic of discussion among scouts and coaches for some time. However, his consistent performance during the summers drew the attention of multiple colleges and especially the recruitment team at Mankato State University.

Multiple schools were interested in Benson, including Augustana, Sioux Falls, Winona State, Wayne State, and UMary, but MSU caught his attention.

“The coaching staff at MSU were personally interested in me and always kept in touch with me and how I’m doing and on top of all that the athletic facilities were top notch so it attracted me even more,” Benson said. “Colleges like Augustana, Sioux Falls, and the others were just not as appealing and when I visited, it felt like I was just a random recruit but when I went to MSU they made it feel like it was all about me,” he said.

Benson’s commitment to Mankato State University highlights an important milestone in his basketball journey. “The decision was not just about joining an excellent program but also about finding the right environment to develop my skills further while pursuing academic excellence,” Colton Benson said.

As Benson prepares to transition to collegiate basketball, his dedication to the sport and support from teammates, family, and coaches sets the stage for an exciting chapter in his athletic career. His commitment to Mankato State University stands as a testament to his talent and the potential he holds within collegiate basketball.