What the Brooklyn Nets Are Getting in Illinois’ Ben Humrichous

It has been quite the journey for Illinois’ Ben Humrichous. A prime example of the opportunities afforded by the modern-day college basketball landscape, Humrichous spent three seasons at the NAIA level before finally earning a Division I shot, at Evansville University, a member of the Missouri Valley Conference.

Then, after scoring 14.7 points and connecting on 41.4 percent of his threes, Humrichous got a look from a Big Ten squad less than 200 miles northwest, in Champaign, Illinois. He came to the Illini with a clear-cut role: shoot and connect.

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Humrichous led Illinois in made three-pointers in 2024-25, and he shot a solid clip at 34.3 percent, but he didn’t add much else (just 7.6 points and 3.8 rebounds). Defensively, he was – and there is no way around it – a liability.

In 2025-26, his scoring dwindled to 5.8 points and his rebounding hovered at 3.9 per game. Humrichous’ raw block and steal numbers hardly moved. On paper, there didn’t seem to be much growth. But games aren’t played on paper. And on the hardwood, where it actually matters, Humrichous took a colossal step forward.

Former Illini Ben Humrichous signs NBA deal with Brooklyn Nets

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ben Humrichous (3) shoots over Connecticut Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images | Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

As a result, on Tuesday night, more than six years after his high school graduation, Humrichous received the opportunity every hooper has dreamt about: a chance at the big leagues.

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Following the close of the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft, Humrichous signed an Exhibit-10 Contract with the Brooklyn Nets.

Although an Exhibit-10 deal is non-guaranteed, it will give Humrichous a stage. With the Nets, he’ll be able to participate in NBA Summer League action and receive the chance to prove…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/brooklyn-nets-getting-illinois-ben-211327649.html

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Publish date : 2026-06-25 21:13:00

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