Hilborn and Benjamin Become Wingfoots

South Euclid, OH – May 9, 2005 - Almost three months ago, the collegiate basketball careers of seven young men came to end as the Notre Dame College men's basketball team played their final game of the 2004-05 season. As one journey ended on that February night, another began for two of the players.

Although seniors Dave Hilborn (Concord, Ohio) and Paul Benjamin (Cleveland, Ohio) will never wear a Falcon uniform in an official competition again, they may have the opportunity to wear a number of uniforms as they continue their basketball careers at an even higher level. Today, the two Ohio players will board a plane to Henderson, Nevada in order to take the next step that many college players only dream of taking.

The two will play in three games this approaching weekend - two on Saturday, May 14 and one on Sunday, May 15 - for the Akron Wingfoots in the SEAMCO NABL Vegas Challenge against the Los Angeles Pacesetters.

If all goes well, the former Falcons could get picked up by a FIBA (Federal International Basketball Association) team to continue their careers professionally across the world. The three games will help showcase the talents of the two players who will be among the 12-player roster led by UNLV head coach Jevon Banks.

In the past year, 15 Wingfoots have joined a FIBA team. That number increases to 35 in the past two years. Even if Hilborn and Benjamin do not get an offer after this weekend, the Wingfoots could ask them back for two more showcases in the upcoming months.

"I think this is a great opportunity for both of these guys," said second year Notre Dame head coach Kevin Bille. "No matter what happens, they have been recognized by their successful careers at Notre Dame College and this just adds to it.  I am very happy for them and I hope this works out."

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