Class of 2016 center Barret Benson committed to Northwestern on Monday evening, announcing his decision via Twitter.

I have decided to continue my education and basketball career at Northwestern University #B1GCats #PoundTheRock

— Barret Benson (@bigbenson40) July 7, 2015

The big man is a big get for the Wildcats and adds to an already loaded 2016 class for coach Chris Collins. NU also currently has verbal commitments from forward Rapolas Ivanauskas — the No. 1 recruit in Illinois according to 247Sports —  and point guard Isiah Brown, a well-regarded three-star recruit.

The 6’10”, 240-pound Benson rates as a four-star recruit himself and will come at a good time for the Cats. Depth in the frontcourt, especially at center, will be thin in 2016 as incumbent senior Alex Olah plays out his time in Evanston this season.

The commitment also represents yet another local recruiting success for Collins. Benson joins sophomore forwards Vic Law and Scottie Lindsey, incoming freshman shooting guard Jordan Ash and Ivanauskas as Illinois recruits electing to stay in their home state.

Benson also held offers from Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Penn State and Purdue.

Email: bpillote@u.northwestern.edu
Twitter: @BobbyPillote