The basketball recruiting landscape takes on a unique rhythm each season, with much of my time dedicated to the summer “Circuit.” During this period, we converge at various showcases like EYBL and Puma events, eager to scout some of the nation’s elite high school prospects. You never know when a player who catches your eye may become a target for your program down the line.
This past summer at the EYBL circuit, specifically during the Kansas City stop, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand what Chris Beard and the Rebels’ latest offer can do. Benjamin “Benji” Berrouet, a Class of 2028 power forward, showcased his impressive skills while playing for AB Elite.
Standing at 6 feet 8 inches and weighing 230 pounds, this standout from the Dallas metro area has already attracted attention from numerous college programs. The Rebels have now joined the fray by offering him; he is currently ranked as the No. 47 overall prospect in his class and holds the title of No. 4 power forward nationally as well as No. 3 athlete from Texas.
When I first saw Berrouet this summer, his elite skills were evident even at such a young age. After reviewing his tape from the USAB Fall mini-camp this past fall, it was clear that he has continued to develop significantly. His abilities have become even more refined.
Berrouet possesses a strong frame and knows how to leverage it effectively on the hardwood. He is comfortable establishing himself in key positions and demonstrates excellent touch around the rim. His scoring ability in close quarters is impressive; he excels with his back to the basket but is also adept at facing up and hitting crucial jump shots. Running the floor comes naturally to him, and his shooting range extends comfortably beyond the three-point line. With an innate understanding of the game paired with solid passing skills, Berrouet is an all-around offensive threat capable of running plays through him whether positioned at low or high post. His maturity already shines, even getting reps this past summer on the atvia’s U16 national team in the FIBA U16 EuroBasket tournament.
We had a chance to catch up with Berrouet to discuss his recent offer from Chris Beard and delve into his recruitment process further.
On receiving an offer from Ole Miss, Berrouet expressed his gratitude: “Getting an offer from Ole Miss is truly a blessing. I am grateful the coaches believe in me enough to offer me…
When discussing what impresses him most about Chris Beard and the Ole Miss program, he noted, “I like the way Ole Miss plays, and they always play with that dawg inside of them.”
With his exceptional skills already making waves at McKinney Boyd, Berrouet continues to attract attention from various programs. He shared his aspirations for his future college experience: “What I’m most looking forward to is a place where I can play as a freshman.”
Currently, several schools are standing out in his recruitment process, including SMU, Texas Tech, and NC State.
Recruiting talent from Texas is never an easy feat for any program, whether in football or basketball. This challenge remains true in Berrouet’s case. While he focuses on his current season, he mentioned an upcoming unofficial visit to meet with Coach Sampson and the Houston Cougars on the 28th of this month.
The Rebels have a significant opportunity in this recruitment battle, and we will keep you updated on their progress as they strive to remain competitive for one of high school’s top four-man prospects, Benji Berrouet.