Next:AMMO – Akeem Bennett

Akeem Bennett, the Junior Guard phenomenon coming out of St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights, is definitely a force to be reckoned with. This 6’3”, West Hempstead, Long Island-bred student athlete has an undeniable love for the game, a soft spot for family, and a smile that can light up a room; a triple threat, indeed.  A far cry from your average ‘jock’, you will be just as likely to find Akeem in his Psychology study group as you will improving on his free throw skills in an empty gym, long after the team has left the locker room. It only takes one conversation with the Terriers’ star player to realize that he is more than special; he has more than the ‘IT’ factor, he has the NEXT factor.  AMMO was able to catch up with Akeem before his season started to have a candid discussion about his past, present, and future.

When did you realize your love for basketball?

I was 6 years old. My older brother John used to take me to the neighborhood park everyday in the summer; he would play pickup game after pickup game! At first, I was only interested in playing in dirt and racing other kids on the monkey bars. But one day, I sat down and really watched John play, and I fell in love with basketball. That love and passion is still as intense now that it was sixteen years ago. But, I can still beat the whole ‘hood on the monkey bars, believe that!

What schools have you played for?

The schools I attended to enhance my skills were West Hempstead High School, Laurinburg Institute, and I also played for Western Oklahoma State College. All these teams have really prepared me to come and ‘kill it’ at St. Francis, I can’t wait for November 13!  West Hempstead High School is where I really began being recognized for my talent. It was there that I learned humility; it’s crazy to see your name and picture in the paper at 16 years old, but it’s even crazier to have a big head and then fall off your game.

What is your ultimate goal?

My ultimate goal is to play in the NBA. Watching game after game, analyzing different plays, following the rookie class and comparing it to my stats; I know any team I am blessed enough to wear the jersey for, I am going to go super hard. Not hard, but SUPER HARD.

Who is your favorite player/players and why?

My favorite players are Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Lebron James.  Michael Jordan has done everything: 6 Championship Rings, MVP trophies, All-Star appearances and he’s a Hall of Famer. Kobe Bryant because he works so hard to get the win and he knows how to make his team execute. Even though it’s hard work, he makes it look so easy. Lebron James is my third favorite player. He brings excitement and thrill to every game he plays. My favorite thing about him is that he is an all- around player and a big guard, like me.

Who inspires you?

My parents are my inspirations. They’ve always worked hard for everything that my siblings and I have, they never gave up. My mom is a Corrections Officer at Rikers; she works long hours in a prison, living ‘OZ’ in her everyday life, and she does it to provide for her kids. If she can wake up every day and deal with people who are in jail for life, then I can wake up and make sure that my skills are bananas, that my GPA keeps me on the Dean’s List, and that I keep practicing to reach my ultimate goal. That’s the reason I never stopped doing what I love to do.

If you could challenge any NBA player to a game of HORSE, who would it be and why?

It would have to be Kobe Bryant, hands down. He’s a legend, but he’s young enough for me to brag about beating a NBA champ at HORSE that doesn’t have arthritis or smells like Ben-Gay.   Seriously, I love the way he plays his game. Just being in his presence would boost my confidence and have me work that much harder.

What makes you the ‘next’ big thing?

Everybody wants to be the next biggest thing, but not everyone wants to put in the work, time, or dedication it takes to be that hot . I set myself apart from everyone else because basketball is my everything. That’s why I am NEXT; it’s my passion and addiction for the game.

To follow Akeem’s career, be sure to follow him on Facebook and Twitter @akeemobennett, as well as visit the St. Francis Terriers official website at www.stfrancis.edu.

Photographer: Noel Salcedo

Stylist: Crystal Hines