Top 2025 recruit Naomi Benson commits to Illinois

Top 2025 recruit Naomi Benson has committed to Illinois, she told On3. Benson chose the Fighting Illini over several programs including Virginia Tech, Mississippi, Penn, Michigan, Wake Forest, DePaul, Alabama, Cal and Cincinnati. 

The 6-foot-2 center from Streetsboro (OH) High School saw the opportunities with Illinois and knew she wanted to be a part of it all. 

“I just really love the team, the environment, and especially the coaches,” Benson told On3. “They believe in me a lot. So I saw that through them, and I saw that potential and opportunity with them, and I chose them.” 

Her relationships with the coaching staff were strong and played a significant role in her decision. 

“[DeAntoine] “Cat” [Beasley] – he’s the main one that recruited me. He’s my position coach. He’s been with me since my freshman year or sophomore year, so I’ve been having a relationship with him for quite a while and same with Coach Shauna [Green]. I visited Illinois back when I was a sophomore and I’ve loved it since then.”

Benson can also easily envision herself in the Fighting Illini’s style of play, because it reflects the way she’s played throughout high school. 

“Their style of play fits me very well because they play fast ball,” Benson told On3. “I realized that on my visit, and I was watching the practice. They played very fast and that’s usually how I play. They’re a very transitional team. That’s how I’ve always played, so it just really fit.” 

Although she’s a year away from playing for the Fighting Illini, there are so many aspects of her time with Illinois that she’s looking forward to experiencing. 

“It’s just the opportunity that’s ahead of me,” Benson said. “I know my potential and my talent is going to go through the roof. I’m just excited to grow, really, in basketball and in life.”