All-Star Game at Gund Sentimental for Falcon

Paul and Dave Distracted by the Fans

Paul Prepares for a Free Throw

Dave Sets up for an Out of Bounds Play

South Euclid, OH – May 10, 2005 - There are many ups and downs in a college basketball player's career, and Notre Dame College senior Paul Benjamin's four years as a Falcon contained several peaks and valleys.

The Cleveland, Ohio native began his collegiate journey in 2001 when Notre Dame College first began accepting male students. It was also in this first year that the college began a men's basketball program. Benjamin was among the first players to struggle through the beginning years of the developing program in which the Falcons managed to win only nine games in their first two seasons.

As a junior, the 6'4" forward saw a new head coach take over the program and instill a new system into the fledgling Falcon family. The newer, tougher, and more demanding ideals of coach Kevin Bille are things Benjamin credits to his success.

"I wish Coach Bille was our head coach when I was a freshman," said Benjamin. "He turned this program around and now it's headed in the right direction."

Benjamin's junior year was a personal best, as he became the first Notre Dame player to be voted American Mideast Conference Player of the Week and AMC North Division First-Team after averaging 14.7 points and 9.7 rebounds in 30 games. The team won eight games that year and was on it's way to recording the best year in program history.

As a senior, Benjamin sat out several weeks in the season opening because of illness, missing a total of five games. Upon his return to the starting lineup, he aided NDC in winning 14 games. He averaged 16.9 points and 7.3 rebounds in his final season to finish his career as the school's all-time leading rebounder. An AMC North Second-Team selection, he and fellow senior Dave Hilborn were selected to participate in the Second Annual Black College All-Star Game as members of the Ohio All-Star Team. The game, played at Gund Arena, was just one component of the weeklong series of events the two Falcon players took part.

Dave Watches his Shot

Paul Checks In

"What I liked most about the all-star experience was the professional-like atmosphere," said Benjamin. "The fact that it was in my hometown of Cleveland made the event more exciting because it might have been the last time my family will get to see me play."

"Playing at the Gund was my final NDC basketball experience. It was an honor for me to help get our school recognition," said Benjamin.

The Ohio All-Stars fell short to the Black College All-Stars by a score of 116-111. Benjamin scored five points on a 2-of-3 effort from the field and had one rebound. Teammate Hilborn had one rebound and one assist in the game.

"I would like to thank my family, friends, teammates, faculty and loyal fans who came to the game and supported mE throughout my career. I enjoyed playing at Notre Dame from start to finish and I hope the players continue what we started four years ago," said Benjamin. "I hope the players have learned from us and will continue to teach others in the future."

When asked what final thoughts he'd like to leave to the current Falcon players, Benjamin had a simple answer based on Bille's coaching, "Find a way!"

Both Benjamin and Hilborn will play for the Akron Wingfoots May 14-15 in the SEAMCO NABL Vegas Cup Challenge in Henderson, Nevada for a chance to further their careers with a FIBA (Federal International Basketball Association) team.

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