Benzinger to Take his Basketball Talents to China

by Alan Hieber

Wright State guard Grant Benzinger has played most of his road games for the Raiders in the Midwest. On Thursday he will take his long-range shooting skills to the other side of the world in China.

The origin of this trip came during Benzinger's freshman season, when then senior WSU forward Kendall Griffin discussed his involvement with Athletes in Action (AIA), which included a similar trip to Africa.

Griffin told Benzinger he should get in touch with his AIA coach from that trip, Morris Michalski.

"He (Griffin) encouraged me to build a relationship with coach Mo. I did and over the years we got closer," Benzinger said. "Then he (Michalski) asked me to go on this China trip. It was hard to pass up."

The official name of the team is the USA Eagles. Benzinger's teammates are from nine different colleges, including Wake Forest and Washington State. Former Raider forward AJ Pacher and Butler guard Kellen Dunham will help with practices.

Stephen Gossard, a former assistant strength coach for WSU now at Charleston Southern, will also be on the coaching staff.

With this being his first time traveling abroad, Benzinger says he will go all out. This includes the food.

"I heard stories about them putting a fish head on your plate. It might be something you're not accustomed to eating," Benzinger said. "I'm in the mindset that whatever it is I'm going to eat it."

The trip will consist of seven exhibition games against teams in the Chinese Basketball Association, which is the highest level of the sport in the country. This will include a matchup against the Beijing Ducks, a team once led by former NBA player Stephen Marbury.

Benzinger explained there is one key factor that will pose a challenge when facing these teams.

"I think the competition will be pretty similar to the NCAA in terms of skill level, but the size will be a lot greater," Benzinger said. "Instead of in the Horizon League going up against a 6-4 or 6-5 guard they will be 6-8. Those three inches are a big difference."

Fundraising money for this trip was a growing experience Benzinger noted. He believes playing oversees will benefit him on the court.

"Developing a relationship with the guys and being on a team in a short amount of time will help me grow as a leader for next year," Benzinger said. "I hope to take a few things here and there from other players to help my individual game too."

In addition to playing in games, the Eagles will host youth basketball clinics around China. The team will also visit an orphanage once they land in the country.

Benzinger will return from the trip on Aug. 14.

Players Mentioned

Grant Benzinger

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