Skip to main content
Join Now
Team Avatar
Florida

Florida walk-on Bennett Andersen granted $10,000 scholarship by Walk-On's

FaceProfileby:Thomas Goldkamp•04/01/25
Florida Gators Basketball
Matt Pendleton | Imagn Images

Walter Clayton needs no introduction at this point. Florida walk-on Bennett Andersen, on the other hand, is just beginning to make his name in the world of college basketball.

But he’s catching up in a hurry after a couple Sweet 16 moments went viral. After all, it’s not every day that a walk-on scores in the NCAA Tournament.

It’s even rarer that a bucket would come in the Sweet 16. The Florida walk-on snagged that distinction when he checked in with 1:06 remaining against Maryland, quickly grabbed an offensive rebound and then finished off a putback layup.

The entire arena went nuts, while Florida’s bench went whooping and hollering. Andersen was a star.

On Tuesday at the team’s practice back in Gainesville, there was a special guest waiting to greet the team. It was a Brandon Landry, a representative from Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, a popular eatery that spans across much of the southern United States. He had a message for the team. And Bennett Andersen, the Florida walk-on, in particular.

“What we do at Walk-Ons is we like to celebrate the heart of a walk-on,” Landry said. “We like to find stories. In the Sweet 16, Bennett, you inspired us. Our team got together and they said, ‘Look at this guy.’ I mean all these roots that you’re planting right now, whether or not, how many minutes you get, you’re an integral part of this team, and I think every one of your teammates and coaches would say that.

“So I just wanted to come and personally congratulate you and thank you for being an inspiration for so many walk-ons like me and you and your teammates in the world.”

Bennett Andersen was all smiles as his teammates also looked on in appreciation. Then Landry stopped.

“One more thing I forgot,” he said. “We also give scholarships and you just got one.”

Immediately, a large mock check was brought out and presented to Florida walk-on Bennett Andersen, made out in the amount of $10,000. A nice chunk of change to help offset the cost of school, room and board, you name it.

Andersen was immediately swarmed by the team, which you can view below. It was one of the most heart-warming moments of the NCAA Tournament.