Indiana basketball legend to speak at Trine

ANGOLA, Ind. — Former Indiana University and NBA basketball star Kent Benson will talk about the “ABCs of Success and Excellence” March 28 when Trine University’s Distinguished Speaker Series continues.

 
Benson was part of the Hoosier’s last undefeated team in 1976, when IU captured the NCAA champion title. He was named the NCAA Most Outstanding Player and to the U.S. Olympic team in 1976.  He was the No. 1 draft pick for the 1977 NCAA draft. He went on to play 11 years with the NBA in Milwaukee, Detroit, Utah and Cleveland.
 

After a stellar basketball career, Benson now works as a consultant and has become involved with numerous Christian, charitable and civic organizations and is an avid hunter and fisherman. After connecting with some people from Trine on a recent hunting trip, Benson made the commitment to speak at Trine about success, excellence and his personal experiences.

 
“Excellence is being the very best that you can possibly be in everything that you do in every way that you do it,” Benson said. “Without failure you cannot succeed. Failure is a part of success, but if people will listen to these ABCs, they’ll be able to relate to every one of them.”
 

Benson currently is working on a book, which is based on his talk. He hopes to release it sometime in the near future.
 

“We are very excited to have Kent speaking to our students and the community,” said David Finley, Ph.D., Trine’s vice president for academic affairs. “He is an engaging speaker whose desire is to see people succeed.”
 

All are welcome to attend the free event, which will start at 7 p.m. in Fabiani Theatre, on the university’s main campus in Angola.