Name: Bennie Boatwright
Position: Forward
Class: Freshman
Size: 6-foot-10, 220 pounds
Age: 19
High School: Village Christian High School (Sun Valley, CA)
Game: Bennie 'Buckets' Boatwright is on track to make an immediate impact on the hardwood. The freshman thrives behind the three-point line, helping to spread the floor. As an added weapon on the wings, Boatwright should provide the missing piece the Trojans need on the attack. At 6-foot-10 and 220 pounds, the forward presents a serious match-up challenge for opponents. Solid ball handling skills complement his shooting abilities, making Boatwright a true all-around player.
Prep Career: Boatwright was a Top 60 recruit out of high school according to Rivals.com and Scout.com. His senior year, Boatwright led the Village Christian Crusaders to the Southern Section 1AA title, averaging 27.8 points and 13 points along the way to earn himself the division's Player of the Year honors. A Los Angeles Times All-Star, the forward was also named to the Cal-High Sports All-State Elite Second Team and CIF Co-Player of the Year in the California Division I voting.
Fall Practice: Boatwright has pushed for playing time immediately at both the small forward and power forward spots. He pairs nicely with big men like fellow freshman Chimezie Metu and junior Nikola Jovanovic who prefer to fill up the paint. He does have the versatility, particularly on offense, to play on the wing if head coach Andy Enfield prefers to go big.
Enfield on Boatwright when he signed at USC: "Bennie is an elite shooter at 6-foot-10 and we expect him to have a huge impact on our success next year and throughout his career. He has worked extremely hard to put himself in position to be a top-ranked recruit nationally and we are thrilled to add another talented Southern Californian to our program."
