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Kris Dunn Selected No. 5 In The NBA Draft, Ben Bentil Picked 51st
6/24/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
June 24, 2016
BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- Thursday, June 23, 2016 was a historic night for the Providence College men's basketball program. Former Friars guard Kris Dunn (New London, Conn.) and forward Ben Bentil (Wilmington, Del.) were selected in the 2016 NBA Draft. Dunn became the highest Friar selected in the NBA Draft since Marvin Barnes was picked second overall in the 1974 Draft. Dunn was selected fifth by the Minnesota Timberwolves, which also marked the fourth highest a Friar has been drafted all-time (Jimmy Walker, No. 1, 1967; Marvin Barnes, No. 2, 1974; and Ernie DiGregorio, No. 3, 1973). He also is the 11th Friar all-time to be drafted in the First Round of the NBA Draft. Adding to the historic night, Ben Bentil was selected 51st in the second round by the Boston Celtics, which marked the first time two Providence players were selected in the NBA Draft in the same year since 1997 when Austin Croshere (first round, 12th) and God Shammgod (second round, 46th) were both picked. It is 10th time Providence College has had two or more players selected for the NBA Draft in the same season.
"Providence and New London are my home," Dunn said. "Both those cities have been such big part of my life. I will never forget what it means to be a Friar and all the great fans in Friartown. I am looking forward to this next step in my career and playing for the fans in Minneapolis."
Providence College now has had 43 players drafted into the NBA. Entering the night, the most recent Friar drafted was Ricky Ledo, who was selected in the second round (No. 43) in 2013 by the Milwaukee Bucks. Marshon Brooks had been the most recent first round selection as he was drafted in the 25th spot by the Boston Celtics in 2011.
"This is a very special night for Kris, Ben and Providence College," Providence Head Coach Ed Cooley said. "Kris and Ben have grown so much over the last several years and did so much to help move our program forward. I hope all Friar fans feel a great sense of pride as this is a great night. I believe both of them will have long and productive careers in the NBA.
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