Former St. Francis (NY) Standout Akeem Bennett Becomes First Terrier Selected to NBA Development League - Northeast Conference Skip To Main Content
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Akeem Bennett
Akeem Bennett

Former St. Francis (NY) Standout Akeem Bennett Becomes First Terrier Selected to NBA Development League

11/4/2011

Brooklyn, NY -- Akeem Bennett, the 2010-2011 Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Year was selected by the Springfield Armor in last night's NBA-D-League Draft. Bennett, who averaged 14.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per game last season, becomes the first Terrier to be drafted into the league.

"I'm extremely proud of Akeem and we wish him the best of luck as he starts his professional career," said Terriers' head coach Glenn Braica. "Akeem is an extremely hard worker and I know he will continue to work on his game so that he can become the best player he can possibly be."

Read the Springfield Armor press release -

SPRINGFIELD, MA -- The Springfield Armor selected seven players in last night's NBA D-League Draft to bring their training camp roster to 17.

The Armor kicked off the evening by selecting Johnny Thomas (6'6, 210, Marshall) with the first pick of the second round (17th overall). Thomas played his first three years of college ball at NC State before graduating and transferring to Marshall for his final year of eligibility. Thomas becomes the highest-ever tryout player drafted in the NBA D-League Draft.

With their next pick, the Armor drafted Dennis Horner (6'9, 230, NC State) with the final pick of the third round (47th overall). Horner, who split time between Belgium and Cyprus last year, was a teammate of Thomas' at NC State. To read more about Horner, click here.

The Armor started the fourth round (48th overall) by making one of the highest profile picks of the evening, selecting former NBA player Chris Taft (6'10, 265, Pittsburgh). Taft, the 2004 Big East Rookie of the Year at Pitt, was a second round choice of the Golden State Warriors in the 2005 NBA Draft. He was one of the top big men in the country coming out of college, but injuries

With the last pick in the fifth round (79th overall), the Armor landed Brandon Bush (6'7, 205, Texas State-San Marcos). Bush has spent time overseas since graduating as one of the top five scorers in school history in 2008-09.

Leading off the sixth round (80th overall), the Armor picked up Marcus E. Hill (5'9, 165, Minnesota State-Mankato). To learn more about Hill, click here.

With the final pick of the seventh round (111th overall), the Armor drafted Michael Sturns (6'5, 205, Holy Family). Sturns began his collegiate career at North Texas University before transferring to Holy Family and becoming the leading scorer in Division 2 during his senior season. Sturns was previously drafted by the Austin Toros in the 2008 NBA D-League Draft.

With their final pick of the evening (112th overall), the Armor landed Akeem Bennett (6'3, 180, St. Francis). Bennett began his career at Western Oklahoma State College before wrapping up his career with two productive seasons with the St. Francis Terriers.

The Armor will open up training camp next week and will cut their roster from 17 players to 10 by November 23. The Armor will open the 2011-12 season at home on Friday, November 25 when they host the Maine Red Claws at the MassMutual Center in Springfield.