Chicago-area shooting guard Quinlan Bennett has had a busy yet productive month of July.
The 6-foot-3 Bennett has excelled on the summer circuit for Kessel Heat AAU, most recently garnering all-tournament team honors at the NY2LA Next Level Invitational and drawing strong reviews from notable scouting services for his performance at the NY2LA Sports Summer Jam.
For his efforts, Bennett picked up his third Division I offer from Robert Morris and head coach Andy Toole Monday. He also has scholarship offers from Manhattan and Albany.
Bennett averaged 14.5 points, five rebounds and three assists for Proviso East High School this past season, but largely flew under the radar due to the Pirates’ uncharacteristic 15-13 season. Still he was one of seven area players tabbed by the Chicago Sun Times in late May to take a big step forward in 2017-18.
PittsburghSportsNow.com caught up with Bennett to get his thoughts on Robert Morris and his most recent offer.
“Coach Toole called Monday night and made the offer,” Bennett said. “I was very surprised about it, and the conversation went really well.”
“He talked about the school, the environment, and how I fit into the program.”
Robert Morris assistant coach Dante Jackson initiated the relationship, contacting Bennett through social media. Bennett listed his mid-range game, transition play, IQ, and ball handling as reasons for catching the coaching staff’s eye.
“He [Coach Toole] said specifically the way I see the floor,” Bennett said. “Most schools are recruiting me for a combo or point guard, so I’ve been focusing on seeing the floor better and making the right pass.”
Bennett credited the work he has put in off the court and his AAU coaches for the rise in his stock.
“I’ve worked really hard and it’s paying off,” Bennett said. “My AAU coaches have reached out to a lot of college coaches, and they’re seeing my game has developed and my three-point shot has improved.”
While Bennett has never been to Pittsburgh, he has spent time researching Robert Morris online and familiarizing himself with the university.
“It’s a really nice school,” Bennett said. “I could see myself going there.”
