One of Oregon State’s new faces is 6-foot-8, 235-pound freshman forward Ben Kone’. He joins Oregon State from Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, California.
Kone’ was a 3-star recruit according to ESPN. And he also held offers from San Diego State, New Mexico and New Mexico State. He was named the San Jose Mercury Player of the Year as a junior, but his senior season was cut short because of an ACL tear.
Watch head coach Wayne Tinkle discuss his recruitment and what he expects of Kone’:
Last season Ben Kone’ averaged 20.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 blocks per game, while shooting 58 percent from the field. During a late season stretch that led to a double-overtime loss in the Division II state title game, Kone’ averaged 25 points and 18.7 rebounds, securing his place among the top players in his state.
Although, Ben Kone’ is coming off of an ACL tear that prematurely ended his season. He is not expected to redshirt his first year in Corvallis. He was quoted saying "I'm fine. I'm built tough. I tore my ACL, but I thought it wasn't that bad when it happened because I got up and walked around right after it happened. It shouldn't affect anything with my college career because the recovery time is six months."
It may take Kone’ a little while to get back on the court and to get into playing shape, but when he plays he will give the Beavers a solid rebounder on both sides of the court. He is also not afraid to go hard to the hoop offensively either. Just watch his highlight reel below:
I personally believe that Ben Kone’ is going to surprise people at Oregon State. He could have easily been a 4 star recruit, if it wasn’t for his untimely injury. The Beavers were beaten badly on the glass last season and if Kone’ can bring that physicality and fight for every rebound he will have a huge impact this season and in the years to come.