William Benjamin

The Minot State men’s basketball team continues to prepare for immediate success this season with the addition of another star player.

The Beavers new head coach Randall Herbst is pleased to introduce the newest addition to Minot State’s roster, 6-foot junior guard William “Deuce” Benjamin, who comes to the Magic City after two seasons at New Mexico Junior College.

“Deuce comes from a super successful program in one of the best junior college basketball leagues in the country,” Coach Herbst said. “He’s a combo guard with some juice who can knock down the 3 and loves getting to the mid-range pull-up.

“Beaver Country is going to enjoy watching Deuce.”

Benjamin played in 63 games over two seasons at NMJC, averaging 10.3 points per game for the Thunderbirds. He added 145 rebounds, 81 assists, 51 steals, and 3 blocked shots during his two years on the hardwood in Hobbs, N.M.

He helped New Mexico Junior College to the Region V Tournament semifinals as a freshman and the Region V quarterfinals this past season.

“Fans will love the energy and spirit that Deuce plays with,” New Mexico Junior College coach Luke Macay said. “He has a true passion and enjoyment for playing the game that will be infectious on and off the court. He will give it his all for the team and University every day.”

A product of Las Cruces High School who was named the 2021 New Mexico Gatorade Player of the Year and who helped lead the Bulldawgs to the 2020 New Mexico Class 5A state championship, Benjamin started his collegiate career at NMSU in 2022-23, redshirting with the Aggies.

“I chose Minot State because the community welcomed me with positivity,” Benjamin said.

“What excites me is being in the Dome and the fact we have a chance to play in front of a lot of great fans,” he added. “I’m really looking forward to the season.

“I really liked how the coaches came in and were honest and up front about what their mission was this year,” Benjamin added.