Fidel Benjamin had big dreams.
Just ask him.
Nothing wrong with that as a teenager, particularly athletes, who
tend to go a bit off course sometimes tinkering with the limelight
of scholarships, the hype and big times in the National Collegiate
Athletic Association (NCAA).
Eventually, reality sets in.
For Benjamin, a 6-foot-5 basketball forward with the George Brown
College men's team, not only did he do the right thing - but
helistened to advice from his mother: get your education, focus on
a future and get on with it.
The 20-year old Benjamin, a native of the beautiful Caribbean
island of St. Lucia, is a key component in the success of the
Huskies basketball program. But his biggest accomplishment is
academics: the highest grade point average on the team.
Benjamin left George Harvey Collegiate midway through grade 11 to
attend Strong Vincent High School in Erie, Pa. Turns out, it wasn't
his best move and Benjamin returned to Toronto graduate from
Downsview Collegiate.
"I was naive and got caught up in all the hype of going to the
United States - the big schools and more," he said. "I should have
stayed in Canada and focus on what was best for me. A bit older
now, I have learned a great deal."
Benjamin is studying in the Community Worker Program because
getting in to his preferred course of studies (Business and
Marketing) had class numbers filled. He plans to switch next
semester to focus on a future career in real estate.
"It's all about confidence," he said. "When you have a bad day or
game, reflect on it a bit, learn from the experience and move
on."
Huskies head coach Jonathan Smith, his team
having a 11-3 record, saw Benjamin last summer and suggested he
think about George Brown.
"I have seen it happen before, young people go after their dreams
and when it doesn't work, they come home," said Smith. "He knows he
is doing the right thing now."
Benjamin, who had a season-high 23 points in a Sheridan College
tournament loss last month, can be dangerous on offence, might be
even better on the defensive side of the game.
"He communicates well and is a great defender," praised Smith.
"He's got to work on his perimetre skills, but the way he is
playing - he has the potential to be an OCAA all-star."
Source: George Brown College
Photo Credit: Michael Stefancic