Benson Callier

Catch Up With Benson This Summer

2011-05-13T19:11:00.003-04:00

Keep up with Benson this summer as he plays in the International Basketball League with the Edmonton Energy.

The dynamic forward can play a number of spots on the court and should be the team's go-to scorer this season

- Head Coach, Skouson Harker

Read Full Article: HERE

And don't worry campers, the 3rd Annual Pro Experience Youth Basketball Camp is still going on. We will deliver details soon.

-Guest Post by Tiffany H.

Callier continues to power forward

2010-08-18T02:42:00.003-04:00

Former GJR youth and hoops great shares his passion for the game and life

Last year it was on my heart to develop a program for at risk youth. I wanted to to tell them my story of overcoming adversity and triumphing against the odds. Though I have been very busy with basketball this past year, this program has been in my sight. It is my desire to expand it across Pennsylvania next summer. I am very excited and look forward to another season of professional basketball. I will be headed to Sweden to play for Jämtland Basket in the Swedish Basketball League. This is a great milestone for me, considering how far I have come. This is the message I try to convey to kids. From humble beginnings, walking I turned a bleak future into a promising one. During my annual basketball camps, the Pro Experience, I have relayed this message of never giving up. I am committed to the George Junior Republic and the Grove City community that gave me a chance and supported me so much. This is why I come back every year, not only to do my basketball camps but to visit the people that mean so much to me. This past season, I was challenged to practice what I preach in my camps.

After last year’s centennial celebration at GJR, I was invited to go to a NBA D League Tryout. I was so happy my old coach from the Vermont Frostheaves wanted me to come out to Bakersfield California, to tryout for his team the Bakersfield Jam. I was doing fairly well being one of the leaders of the team and then I got hurt. I never been so close to accomplishing my dreams ever before, I was crushed that my body let me down in that way. I took some time to reflect on what I should do from there. That was the closes I ever had been to considering actually quitting basketball. It was a rough moment in my life, but with the support of my family and friends, I was able fight through this rough time and kept striving to pursue my goal: a basketball career.

I soon got myself healthy and started marketing myself to different teams in the U.S and over seas. I ended up going to play another season for the Vermont Frostheaves in Barre Vermont. I had a rough season there, I didn’t play very much and the situation was not luxurious to say the least. Our coach ended up leaving half way through the season. After his departure , things got worse. The only bright spot (and warm spot) was getting to go to Puerto Rico.

Post Season, I decided that I try to play in the International Basketball League to stay in shape and work on my game. After several attempts to contact coaches, I made an impression on a coach out of Edmonton, Canada. He invited me to play for the Edmonton Energy. This was the first time I understood what I needed to do before I even stepped foot in the gym. I knew my role for this team was leadership and unselfish play. I ended up doing really well, averaging 17 points and 7 rebounds a game. Not only did I play well, but I had the time of my life!

Now I am beginning another exciting journey to Sweden, I am really excited and proud that I overcame the challenges of life and ended up accomplishing my goal. Next year the Pro experience Basketball camp will expand to state facilities around the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and my regular camp for the community of Grove City and George Junior Republic will grow as well. I am making friends at Nike that are willing to donate to my cause. I hope that it comes through for next year. I just want to take the time to thank George Junior Republic, the staff, teachers, administration and most importantly the community and supporters for supporting my career. I look forward to another exciting year and I will tell you all about it next year.

www.Benson Callier.blogspot.com

The 2010 Pro Experience Basketball Camp

2010-07-31T13:14:00.001-04:00

Energy find their Renaissance Man

2010-05-25T10:22:00.002-04:00

Catch up with Benson as he soars with IBL's Edmonton Energy this summer!

Latest Article: Callier has proven himself against best in the business.

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/mobile/iphone/story.html?id=3059746

2010-05-23T13:09:00.000-04:00

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/mobile/iphone/story.html?id=3059746

How to Finish a Season?

2010-04-15T22:20:00.001-04:00

I'm asking, how do I close a season the right way? Very seldom do I see a paragon of basketball professionalism at the end of the season. I'm searching for that answer via a great example, but very seldom I see it in players. That "it" from what I can see it ebbs and flows through each individual as an act of good will.
My approach is to treat every situation as a act of good will, without the intentions of reciprocal gain. After looking back what I took away from the Heaves this year is the act of goodwill. I am grateful for the opportunity to add a positive message to the community of Barre and carry that ideal to my next stop. Now, I am off to a summer league in Canada. I was picked up by the Edmonton Energy. I thoroughly considered the situation and the best thing to promote the game at a very high level is to play for the Energy. I have a lot on the line and excellence is the only alternative. This is Benson Callier Pro Wingz Journal Owt

The Disease of Me

2010-04-03T09:10:00.004-04:00

I remember my first two years of college at FSU, my coach would preach to us about a sickness. A diabolical disease that kills all hopes for a championship. Although his delivery came across as a joke, I now see how important it is. As the great Pastor Bell Of Lively Stone Church in Bowling Green Kentucky would say "you might not need this right now but you can set this on the shelf and use it when you need it" she would say that to me when she would hit me with some deep spiritual lessons that I wasn't ready to understand. Much like Pastor Bell, Coach Hamilton at FSU would always talk about the disease of me. I never really understood what it really meant. I never forgot the saying, and I think about it all the time. I finally decided to learn about the disease of me. Apparently, this is a saying from coach Pat Riley, he spoke about it in his book. I think that I should share what I found on it. This is what I am commited to for the rest of the season. Thanks coach Ham.

The Disease of Me=the defeat of us
6 symptoms of the disease of me
1. Chronic feelings of under appreciation-focused on oneself
2. Paranoia of being cheated out ones rightful share.
3. Leadership vacuum resulting from formation of cliques and rivalries.
4. Feelings of fraustration even when the team performs sucessfully.
5. Personal effort mustered solely to outshine ones teammate.
6. Resentment of the competence of another-refuse to admire his contribution.

Having the Courage to Compete

2010-03-21T01:13:00.003-04:00

What does it really mean to compete? Compete means, to strive against another or others to attain a goal. Also, to compete is simply to take part in a contest. I have expanded my understanding of what it means to compete, after watching a special on HBO last week covering the Magic and Bird rivalry.
Throughout my amateur experiences coaches would drill competing to me. I remember running Kansas 17's for simply not competing with teammates in practice. If I was a coach, I think I would build my entire philosophy on teaching my team what it means to compete. Now that I think about it, I've never had a coach help me define what competing is and how to help me apply it to my game both on and off the court. I think they just assumed I should already know. After watching the HBO documentary of the Magic vs. Bird rivalry, I am more aware of what it means to compete.
Compete: A competition is the act of competing in a contest between rivals. A rival is a competitor you compete with in a match. A competitor is someone considered your equal and capable of competing with another. To settle a dispute between two equal rivals; I must compete.
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, both arguably top 5 basketball players of all time. The HBO special highlights their fanatical obsession with being considered the better player out of the two.
Bird is a small town guy from Frenchlick, Indiana. With his blue collar work ethic,he played the game with a get'er done mentality, and a old fashioned grit that bothered opponents. The controversy that surrounded Bird was that he was that good and white. Bird couldn't escape the volatile racial situation of that time. When Bird first entered the NBA he was considered the Great White Hope in a NBA that was labeled as too black by its fans.
From the outside looking in Magic was a city boy who grew a affinity for the bright lights in big games. Magic thrived in the spotlight. On game night at the Forum, it was show time in LA. Magic and Bird competed for glory on many occasions. Both shared similar styles on the court but different approaches off the court. Magic a more flashy, show time type of style, Bird more grit and blue collar. The one thing that set them both apart from everyone else during their eras was how far they was willing to go to win in. They have what I consider the courage to compete.
Bird admitted his need to even hate his competition in order to be successful. He even made up things about his opponents to get himself jacked up for the game. Bird's personality amalgamated with confidence and a will to prove people wrong. Bird had the perfect personality to play the bad guy in the NBA. I think it is safe to say that between the borderline dirty play, the grit, and racial climate in the NBA; Bird was hated by a majority of his competitors in the NBA and I don't think he would have it any other way.
Thinking about Birds courage to compete against any and everybody he matched up against, I realized that same approach is what made him who he was. Instead of running away from his nature, he embraced it and applied it to his game, now people don't call him the Great White Hope, its Larry Legend. Having the courage to hate his competition gave him a slight edge that eclipsed 99% of the best players in the world. There was only one that could compete with Bird, the 1% er himself, Magic Johnson.
Magic, was the opposite from Bird with his temperament in tune with his gregarious nature, and his approach to the game didn't deviate from his persona. Magic was the revolutionizing 6'8 point guard that led a exciting up tempo offense that earned the name show time. Similar to the offense, Magic was flashy and flamboyantly brilliant. Magic was out going and loved people. My theory is his love for the game and to be the man motivated him to succeed. Magic knew that in order for him to be successful against Bird he needed to be fully committed to the game of basketball.
I like to think in order to respect someone as competition you have to walk the line carefully, between love and hate. In the Art of War, the writer talks about having respect for your enemy and the decorum to approaching war. Animosity is a emotional sign of weakness and can breed dissension and incongruity between masses, with that being said you lose a connection with your enemy thus losing the ability to know what's coming. I think Magic was well aware that the best thing he could do was have a love/hate relationship with his opponents. Magic was nasty on the basketball court, but off the floor he love people and being the man. Bird mentioned Magic's ability to charm people and light up a room, he even called Magic a con artist. Magic mastered the delicate balance more then anything else. Magic excelled when the odds were great and the stakes was high. He loved competing against the best and Bird was the closest thing to him.
In heated debates between peers on who is the Greatest Of All Time (G.O.A.T) in basketball, I don't believe we should focus solely on the physical, because at the highest level the physical margin of separation is small. I think a mixture of skill, and approach to the game and the courage to see that approach through determines the legend. That, and championships! This is Benson Callier ProWings Journal Owt!!!!

interview with www.realcavsfans.com

2010-02-26T01:23:00.000-05:00

02-20-2010 | 04:00 PM

camakazee

Recently I was fortunate enough to have a few phone conversations with a player named Benson Callier who plays semi-professionally in Vermont. I thought it would be interesting for two reasons. First, he crossed paths with LeBron James back in 2002 when he blocked him a few times and led his team to an OT victory over St V St Mary's, winning MVP honors that game.

I also thought it would be interesting to see what the lifestyle is like for someone who depends on the basketball court to support his family. Every interview with a basketball player seems to be about the glamorous lifestyle of the NBA. I figured it'd be interesting to look at a Bull Durham situation in basketball, trying to climb the minor league rungs.

Anyway, just as a brief background, Callier played college ball at Florida State and then Western Kentucky with Courtney Lee before playing for several semi-pro teams in the PBL, IBL, CBA, and Swedish league. He was named one of the top 25 players not in the NBA (eligible players drawn from pools in the DLeague, PBL, IBL, and other leagues).

So here's the resulting interview... Click on the title to see the full text with embedded links, pictures, and more.

⁠From Blocking LeBron James to Playing in Vermont and Everything in Between.⁠

Quote

Benson Callier started out his basketball career in western Pennsylvania at George Junior Republic High School. After playing organized basketball for only one year, Callier graduated from George Junior and accepted a scholarship at Florida State University. Callier decided to transfer to Western Kentucky University after two seasons with the Seminoles. As a Hilltopper, he averaged 8.4 points and 3.6 rebounds per game in 18.5 minutes per game over two seasons.

Since graduating from Western Kentucky, Benson Callier has played professionally for several teams. He started out in the CBA with the Butte Daredevils, moved to the IBL with the Gary Steelheads, and traveled to Sweden to play for Gothia Basket before finding a home in the PBL with the Vermont Frostheaves, where he currently plays after leading the team in scoring last season with 16.4 points per game. After last season, Callier was listed as one of the top 25 basketball players not in the NBA by Pro Basketball News. He was invited to tryouts for the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Developmental League this offseason, but was unable to participate due to injury.

I figured Benson Callier would be a great player to interview for Numbers Don’t as he crossed paths with LeBron James in high school. During Callier’s senior year, his high school team, George Junior Republic, defeated the Irish led by LeBron James. Callier recorded 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals, earning him MVP honors for the game.

I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to speak with Benson Callier regarding this game, his persistence, what he has learned, and what it’s like to play basketball for a living. Here is the resulting interview.

Mark Cameron: Okay, I’ve gotta bring it up. It was a while ago, but describe to our readers what it felt like blocking LeBron James and leading your George Junior Republic Tigers to victory over the nationally ranked Irish from St. Vincent-St. Mary’s back in 2002.

Benson Callier: I don’t want to be that guy, where I’m known because I played a game against the great LeBron James. Honestly, I didn’t know who he was at the time of the game since I had only played one year of organized basketball. Now knowing who he is today I’m happy looking back. I watched the film of that game about a year ago and I saw the greatness everyone talks about that I didn’t recognize then.

MC: You said a few days ago in a blog post that when you looked into the eyes of LeBron James before that game started that you saw a lion. Are you surprised at where he is today?

BC: No, not at all. When he looked at me I just saw a look I’ve never seen before. A lot of guys you can tell what they’re trying to do when they look at you, whether it’s intimidation or whatever. But you could tell there was no b.s. with him. He is the truth.

MC: I also noticed that this memory sparked some recent discussion, where you felt a blogger was disrespecting you by implying that this block may have been the peak of your career. What would you have to say to anyone who feels this way?

BC: I mean, of course [they think that] because he’s so great. Honestly, just talking about one block against a player makes me happy because that’s what I’m all about. Just going out and competing. I’ve never been the type to just talk about it, I let them do the talking. But I’m thankful for the opportunity and know I probably wouldn’t be where I’m at in my career today without that game.

MC: There’s a guy on the Cavaliers by the name of Jamario Moon who has played for 19 different basketball teams after college, making three separate D-League teams only to be released by all three. Do stories of players like Moon eventually breaking through and having success drive you to never give up?

BC: I actually played for a coach that coached Moon (author’s note: Callier played for the Gary Steelheads in 2008, one year after Moon played for them), so I was big on Moon when he first got into the league. Mo Williams is also a success story. You’ve got a lot of guys like that that make the most of an opportunity. So yeah, he is somebody I look at and want to be as successful as he has.

MC: Moon tells a story of how his agent made several calls to NBA scouts and general managers to find out why he wasn’t in the league and the unanimous answer was “defense.” With this in mind, Moon recommitted himself to the defense end of the floor in order to get into the NBA. With a history of undrafted ballers carving out a niche on the defensive end such as Ben Wallace, Bruce Bowen, and Raja Bell, what do you feel your biggest defensive weakness is?

BC: I hate to say it… but I’d have to say none. As long as you go as hard as you can for as long as you can, I think you’re playing your best defense. I can’t put in what God didn’t add. I may not be as gifted as LeBron, but as long as I work as hard as I can, stay focused mentally, and stay in front of my man, I feel I’m doing the most I can on defense. I think it’s just important to cut out all the mental errors on the defensive end.

MC: One of the things I’ve never really liked about the D-League is it’s propensity to promote un-team-like behavior. With your journey, you never know what roster you’ll find yourself on next season. Does this make it hard to establish a close relationship with your teammates or develop chemistry with them?

BC: No, not really. As a basketball player who has played under great coaches like Leonard Hamilton (Florida State) and Coach [Darrin] Horn (WKU, now South Carolina), I’ve learned a lot about offense and playing off of teammates. I feel like now I can go into any experience and pick up quick. Under these coaches I’ve learned certain things and have grown into a great pro. Not a pro [laughs] like I’m a [NBA] professional, but I approach the game as a pro.

MC: Where do you think your most important stop as a player was? Where did you learn the most about basketball and what did you learn?

BC: Well… it would probably where my biggest downfall was, which was at Western Kentucky. I didn’t finish my final season there, because they said I chose not too, but I learned a lot from what happened there. At that point I took my future into my own hands. I had to become a man. Because of this I was thrown into the real world and made something out of it. I felt it made me a better person and a better man as a result.

MC: I think when most fans hear the words “professional basketball player” they think of stars making millions a year for seasonal work. As you said on your blog, “I’m just working to keep the lights on and provide for my family the best way I know how.” How do you think you view basketball, the work that helps you support yourself and your family, differently than someone in the NBA?

BC: Those guys get exposure on a serious level. Me? It’s a struggle… everyday. I understand it’s a struggle and an everyday grind for them, too, but they have assistance. And I’m not knocking them, they earn every penny they get. I’m not taking anything away from them, but they have the resources around them. And I love the NBA game and follow it on television as much as possible. That’s basketball at its highest level and I want to get there someday too. But here, I have to deal with stuff that they don’t have to on that level.

I just take what I’ve got and make the most of it. I like to do camps for the kids that can’t afford them, community service, and try and do as much as I can. My life is cool. It might not be as flashy as [the life of] someone in the NBA, but I like it.

MC: Prior to this season you had an invite to tryout for the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA’s D-League but could only participate briefly due to injuries. What was it like to be so close and have it all sidetracked because of injuries?

BC: Ah, man, it was a tough time. I’ve had a lot of adversity in my life, but never have I had my body let me down. And I couldn’t afford the treatment to get back and play, so once again I had to grab the bootstraps and do it myself. I’m better now and I feel like I could go back [to tryout], but at this point Vermont is what’s best for me. We have the chance to win a championship, which I haven’t had at any level in my career. That’s a big deal for me.

MC: You played at Florida State with Al Thornton and Von Wafer and then spent two seasons at Western Kentucky with Courtney Lee, all of whom are either currently in the NBA or have played in the league. Do you stay in contact with any of them?

BC: Those guys are in the NBA where it’s an everyday grind and I understand they’re busy. I don’t want to be the token guy just to stay in contact every day. I actually visited Courtney Lee before the Finals and it was a great time. It was unfortunate that he was traded, but he’s a great player. I love him to death and I’d do anything for him. I was never really that close with Von, but I still talk to guys like Al Thornton and Lee. But I don’t call them unless I have to.

MC: For anyone unfamiliar with the player, why would first time fans enjoy seeing Benson Callier play?

BC: Ah. Well, at this point I have a passion for the game that goes along with my work ethic to just try to win games. I go out to try and win, play hard, and every now and then, you’ll see a nice move from me… maybe a dunk or something. But I just try and do whatever my team needs to win. I’d say the thing to enjoy the most would be my leadership on and off the court.

MC: Anything else to add?

BC: Not really, I’d just like to thank you for the opportunity. I’m very grateful. I mentioned I host a basketball camp now every summer for the kids and I was trying to get an NBA player to come and talk with them for this upcoming summer. I’d like to have LeBron James come out but I don’t know if he can [laughs]. But yeah, nothing too time consuming, just someone to come out and talk to the kids. I think they’d like that.

You can follow Benson on his blog at ⁠http://bensoncallier.blogspot.com/⁠

On The Road Again

2009-08-17T13:32:00.003-04:00

Well, it's that time again! It's time to get ready to pack up and ship out! It's time to hit the road again. When I think about this time of the year and the ups and downs that all proffessional basketball players dread in the off season, I remember this scriptur to keep me motivated "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:" Ecclesiastes 3:1; Now is the time to crank it up a knotch and begin my labors working on my weak points and expanding on my stregths as a basketball player and as a man.
My son has visited me for the past 3 weeks, building a strong bond between the two of us that will not be broken during the course of a long basketball season. My name has been entered on the DLeague draft board for this upcomming season, and I have a idea of who may draft me. I am very excited about having the chance to prove myself once again.
People want me to come work out with them from all over the country! I just have'nt had a opportunity to nail down a location. I am getting ready to assist the Orlando Magic in puting on a basketball clinic in the Caymen Islands next week and I am very excited about being able to practice with some of the players,coaches, and the people of the Island. Last night I spoke with Jeff Fuller on his radio show in Vermont about my sucess last year and the different options I have this summer. All of these opportunities kind of came out of nowhere so I have to say always be ready so you dont have to get ready! This is Benson Callier OWT!!!!

The Pro Experience Grove City Wrap Up

2009-07-27T18:09:00.002-04:00

After wrapping up, The 2009 Pro Experience Basketball Camp in Grove City, I am extremely humbled by the welcoming arms of the Grove City community. Its not too many places where people come together to ensure that the experience that a kid has will be memorable one. Most times I see people give just enough to get by, but not in Grove City, the participating businesses gave above and beyond. I first would like to thank everyone who supported this cause, which was to give kids who may not be able to afford to go to basketball camp, the opportunity to participate. Thank you for giving the Pro Experience Basketball Camp the privilege to be the First Ever Basketball Camp for many of the kids at the camp. I cant tell you the feeling I got when one of the kids told me this was his first ever basketball camp.
I am happy to announce that because of support from businesses around the Grove City area, I had the pleasure to teach kids the game of basketball, along with leave a lasting impression with them that I hope that they never forget. There were around 15 kids who where awarded tuition this year and one of them earned the camp MVP honors and will begin his first year of high school. I think he will be a starter for his junior high team this year. I also have to report the little joker made a half court shot for a new pair of Nike's from coach.I had three very great coach/volunteers for the camp from the Local Nike Outlets in Grove City. To Billy, Phil, and Megan thank you so much for your expertise and dedication to the community. It was my pleasure to provide a camp of this nature for the kids, and I have been booked for next summer with people who want The Pro Experience Basketball Camp to come and hold clinics with them next year.

I love giving back to the kids, but I am a baller as well. I'm planning a photo shoot with my guys at K1X, they want to see if I can get as high in their shoes as I did in others. I told my connect there its not the jumping thats the problem, because I get so high, it's the landing part that gets tricky. Let just say they sent me the 24's of basketball shoes. Stay tuned for my report!!! I have a shoe that is in production now, I might surprise everyone with who I'm collabing with to make the shoe. The story behind this is crazy, but I cant discuss anything right now. I got a gag order, on me right now. I will be designing a fresh shoe to jump off the 2009/2010 season.

I would like to take the time out to say thank you to the following businesses:
Grove City Area Middle School,George Junior Republic, The Callier Family, The Myer Family,The Crocker Family, David Kuhlber State Farm, Scott Knouse at BI-LO, Burger King, Nike Outlets Grove City, Fat Andy's Pizza, 4 Star Pizza, Pizza Hut, Tom Burdick Burdick's Clothing Store, Dean's Juice Company, K1X, C.R.O.N.S.,Earth Sun Moon T-Shirt Printing, Ithen Global, David Cashdollar (Cashdollar and Associates),The Chamber of Commerce Grove City, Florida State University Men's Basketball Team, The National Basketball Academy (Orlando Magic Camp) ,ImageFX, RichardHowell

Book published about Benson Callier?

2009-06-12T01:26:00.003-04:00

...well, not exactly. Author Bob Batchelor featured the infamous St. Vincent-St. Mary vs. George Jr. Republic game in his book,Basketball in America: from the playgrounds to Jordan's game and beyond(2005)Chapter 7 Fundamentals: Coaching Today's High School Player.

"Basketball in America: From the Playgrounds to Jordan's Game and Beyond is a pioneering analysis of the history of basketball and its effect on popular culture from the 1970s to today. This book examines the social and cultural impact of basketball on American society across the amateur and professional arenas. For sports fans and sports historians alike, it will entertain and inform anyone who treasures basketball and the role it plays in the American consciousness."

Page 110<---

POSTED BY PYNK MEDIA GROUP/SCULPT CREATIVE

Hoop Dreams Don't Die; Allied News

2009-06-05T19:09:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Sports Editor, Patrick Connelly, for featuring the Pro Experience Camp in Allied News. Check it out!

The Pro Experience featured on WBKN

2009-05-28T19:10:00.002-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Leah Caudle; Caudle Media
Feature Link HERE

George Jr Star Benson Callier to Host Hoops Camp - My Valley Sports - All Local - All Sports - All The Time

2009-05-28T19:01:00.001-04:00

George Jr Star Benson Callier to Host Hoops Camp - My Valley Sports - All Local - All Sports - All The Time

Posted using ShareThis

TOP 20 AND RISING

2009-05-11T15:28:00.008-04:00

May 9 2009

PBN's 2008-09 All-Minors Team
By PBN Newswire
Pro Basketball News
AKRON, Ohio - Pro Basketball News' 2008-09 All-Minors Team was compiled by various sources throughout the minor leagues and PBN. Look for PBN's Top 25 Players list, Top Minors Teams list and list of Top Pro Coaches Not in the NBA coming within the next week.
FIRST TEAM
G-Blake Ahearn (6-foot-2, 190 pounds), Dakota Wizards - NBADL
G-Keith Friel (6-4, 190), Rochester Razorsharks - PBL
F-Jermaine Blackburn (6-7, 210), East Kentucky Miners - CBA
F-DeRon Rutledge (6-6, 240), Southeast Texas Mustangs - ABA
C-Courtney Sims (6-11, 245), Iowa Energy - NBADL
SECOND TEAM
G-Shawn Fountain (6-1, 180), Albany Patroons - CBA
G-Will Conroy (6-2, 195), Albuquerque Thunderbirds - NBADL
F-Albert White (6-6, 220), Lawton-Fort Sills Cavalry - CBA
F-Erik Daniels (6-8, 215), Erie BayHawks - NBADL
C-Shawn Daniels (6-8, 280), Lawton-Fort Sills Cavalry - CBA
THIRD TEAM
G-Tim Pledger (6-1, 180), Southeast Texas Mustangs - ABA
G-Rashi Johnson (6-2, 180), Battle Creek Knights - PBL
F-Marcus Williams (6-7, 210), Austin Toros - NBADL
F-Boris Siakam (6-8, 215), Kentucky Bisons - ABA
C-Chris Hunter (6-11, 245), Fort Wayne Mad Ants - NBDL
Honorable Mention
C-Silvester Simple (6-9, 275), Texas City - ABA
F-Cedric McGinnis (6-9, 225), Wilmington - PBL
F-Derrick Byars (6-7, 220), Bakersfield - NBADL
F-Josh Davis (6-8, 240), Colorado - NBADL
F-Desmond Ferguson (6-6, 220), Manchester - PBL
F-Benson Callier (6-6, 225), Vermont - PBL
G-Anthony Lumpkin (6-2, 175), Southeast Texas-ABA
G/F-Elvin Mims (6-5, 215), Lawton-Fort Sills - CBA
F-A.J. Millien (6-8, 215), Halifax - PBA
G-Issac Burton (6-4, 190), Maywood - ABA
G-Desmond Cambridge (6-0, 180), Nashville - ABA
F-Rod Nealy (6-7, 230), Albany - CBA
G-Randy Gill (6-2, 175), Detroit - PBL
PBN INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER - Keith Friel, 6-4, 190, Rochester RazorSharks (PBL)

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Blake Ahern, 6-2, 190, Dakoa Wizards (NBADL)

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Jermaine Blackburn, 6-7, 210, East Kentucky Miners (CBA)
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR - Derrick Byers, 6-7, 220, Bakersfield Jam (NBADL)
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR - A.J. Millien, 6-8, 215, Halifax Rainmen (PBL)
COACH OF THE YEAR - Steve Tucker, Southeast Texas Mustangs (ABA)

MY THOUGHTS

ON THE RIDE HOME FROM MOTHERS DAY DINNER WITH FAMILY YESTERDAY, I RECEIVED THE NEWS FROM MY BROTHER THAT MY NAME WAS MENTIONED IN A LIST OF TOP 25 MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS IN THE UNITED STATES.

COMING FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS, THIS IS A GREAT TIME OF RECOLLECTION OF ALL THE TIME SPENT AT THE GYM SOAKED WITH SWEAT FROM WORKING OUT. I HAVE FLASHBACKS OF SPENDING A SUMMER IN MY BROTHERS DODGE JUST FOR THE CHANCE TO WORKOUT WITH THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS. IM HEARING THE ECHOES OF PEOPLE WHO DOUBTED I COULD EVER PLAY THIS GAME. IT REMINDS ME TO NEVER QUIT, NO MATTER HOW MUCH ADVERSITY IS IN FRONT OF ME. FOR THIS HONORABLE MENTION ACKNOWLEDGMENT BY THE PBN, AN EFFORTLESS HEAD NOD FOR THE BASKETBALL GODS, I PAID A GREAT COST.

DONT THINK THAT I HAVE REACHED THE MOUNTAIN TOP YET! NO, IM NOT HAPPY WITH MY RANKING OF HONORABLE MENTION AND IT SHOWS ME I HAVE A LOT MORE SWEATY DAYS, AND PLENTY MORE SLEEPING IN THE CAR NIGHTS AHEAD OF ME. NOW THAT I LOOK BACK ON THE EXPERIENCES THAT LED TO THIS HONORABLE ACKNOWLEDGMENT, IT WAS ALL WORTH IT. I ALSO CANT SAY ENOUGH ABOUT MY TEAMMATES AND COACHING STAFF FOR THE VERMONT FROST HEAVES, THEY REALLY DO THINGS TOP SHELF THERE. I ALSO WANT TO THANK ALL THE FANS IN VERMONT AND AROUND THE GLOBE WHO CHECKS UP ON ME FROM TIME TO TIME. I ALSO WANT TO TAKE THE TIME TO CONGRATULATE BORIS ON MAKING THE THIRD TEAM AND SHAWN FOR MAKING THE SECOND TEAM. THIS IS BENSON CALLIER, PRO WINGS JOURNAL SIGNING OWT!!!!

http://www.probasketballnews.com/story/?storyid=435

CALLIER MAKES TOP USA PLAYER LIST

2009-05-10T20:58:00.014-04:00

PROBASKETBALLNEWS.COM

TOP 25 PLAYERS WHO IS'NT IN THE NBA

BENSON CALLIER SHAUWN FOUNTAIN BORIS SIAKAM

Pro Wings Journal: Callier Signs With Reigning Champions

2008-12-22T10:33:00.007-05:00

What's going on to everybody in MY SPACE! I'm still traveling, barreling through the road ahead. I feel a lot better now that I have spent quality time with friends and family. Now its time to get back on the J.O.B. I cant sit around and let my skill get too rusty, I'm still a baller. I'm the type of person that needs a constant challenge, unfortunately I can't find that back home. So I came to a place where that is possible. I'm currently playing for the Vermont Frost Heaves, located in Burlington, Vermont. I like it, because there is a constant challenge in front of me. Between the 3 and a half hr practices and the 3 workouts a day, I know that I am in the right situation. I told myself, this is the challenge I was looking for. A player at my level, has to stay challenged. I do keep in contact with some of my teammates and fans back in Gothia, but this situation is what I needed to get to the NBA. A lot was thrown at me the first day, I had to pick things up and I mean quick! This train is either going with or without me, so I had to lean on teammates and the two greatest coach's in college basketball Joe Lenard Hamilton, and Darren Horn. What I learned from those guy's and there staff has helped me through. I was lucky to have great coaches in the past and coach Will Voigt is living up to his reputation. This situation will help me reach a level that will shake up the summer league. I hope that people are getting ready because, I'm coming! Oh yeah shot out to PYNK MEDIA GROUP, for helping me organize my page and for the help in my career so far. My agent John Spencer for helping me and everybody who supports me, thank you. Until next time Benson Callier Professional Wings Journal QWT!!!!

On The Road Again

2008-12-01T21:45:00.006-05:00

“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).

I began my season with Gothia Basket with excitement. I love the game of basketball and was intrigued at the chance to play internationally. Personally, I set career benchmarks and welcomed challenges the new team and league placed before me. While the season did not start the way either the players or the coaches would have imagined; I have grown both physically and mentally from my time with Gothia Basket.

I wish the Gothia Basket organization the best season and future in the league. The fans possessed contagious energy that will be missed as I continue my career.

He Got Game (All IBL First Team)

2008-08-08T12:52:00.004-04:00

Sports Digest
nwitimes.com

Four members of the Gary Steelheads were named IBL All-Stars. Point guard Royce Parran, guard Shaun Fountain, forward Benson Callier and center Kenyon Gamble earned the honor. The Steelheads finished the season 18-4 but did not compete in the postseason.

I just found out from my coach that four players from the Gary Steelheads have been chosen 1st team all IBL by the coaches and owners in the IBL on Friday August 8, 2008. I personally I could not have done it without my teammates. We all worked hard on the court and clicked off the court. To finish up my list of players who GOT GAME, I would like to specially acknowledged the will and determination of one special kid who's hard work should be note and recognized.

Kenyon Gamble, is naturally gifted at 6'11 he is long and athletic. He can shoot from beyond the college arch and have a great feel for the game. Although his strengths was not noted by the IBL, that is block shots, Kenyon would have easily led the league in block shots, and rebounds. A game changer on the defensive end, if he isn't blocking your shot he is deterring the shot attempt. Player comparisons Marcus Camby.

Shauwn Fountain, a master at the pick and role, Shauwn was a serious problem for many teams in the IBL and would a problem for a lot of people period... He can score so well off the dribble that you have to respect his illusive quickness and he has range off the dribble. He always made the right decision and gave the team exactly what it needed at all times. A true point gaurd who can score the basketball.

Quinell Brown, the silent assassin. He was key to the success of the team. He guards the best player on the opposing team and manages a 12ppg average. A natural athlete, he has a unique combination of strength and quickness. He can Guard 1-4, and stop them. He was a key asset for the Gary Steelheads. He has a great understanding of the game, and he is an exceptional teammate. I would love to play with this guy again. I tell you one thing I wouldn't want to have to play against him.

Chris Charles, a very athletic big man, who have size and length. Towering at 7'0 he was the acncor for the Elkhart Express this year. He has a consistent jumper and he can run the floor very well. Player comparisons Samuel Dalembert.

Last but not least I want to first off say thank you to a special person. The guy inspired me daily. He was never late to practice, never complained, and never got one dollar for all of his hard work. He wore three different hats serving as player, manager, and assistant coach for the Gary Steelheads. Chris Wesby was a great teammate and we couldn't have been as successful with out him. The kid didn't get paid a dime and came to play everyday without complaint. He also stayed after practice to make sure all of the balls was accounted for, even after Ex NBA Vets like Sam Mack would make him pay his rookie dues by kicking the balls to the top rows of the gym.LOL He carried the jerseys of all the players to and from every game and made sure every jersey was accounted for. Its not like he wasn't talented, he is 6'8 220, versatile inside/outside game and can jump out of the gym! This is the only guy I would admit beat me in the 2008 IBL dunk competition. Although this kid is very raw, he is very teachable and is hungry to be better. I'm willing to put my name on this kid! Ill give the kid anything, he really impressed me more than any other teammate I have ever had. I saw a lot of potential in Chris and that's why I was hard on him.

Benson "Callie" Ready For Gothia Basketball

2008-08-06T00:00:00.002-04:00

2008-07-01 13:38
Benson Callier klar för Gothia Basket Benson Callie ready for Gothia Basketball

Gothia Basketball has acquired Benson Callie, a 195cm long and very spectacular forward. Vi räknar med att han kommer att tillföra en stor portion showande till laget, med snabbt spel och framför allt spektakulära dunkar. We anticipate that he will add a great deal of the show to the team, with fast play and, above all, spectacular cans.

12 mars utlovades ett nytt Gothia Basket inför säsongen 2008/09, vi skall lära oss utav förra säsongen och bli bättre på alla plan. March 12 announced a new Gothia Basketball pre-season 2008/09, we will learn out of the past season and become better at all levels. Tidigare har vi kontrakterat bland annat Michael Bree och Ian Johnson för att få en större stabilitet i laget. Earlier, we have contracted including Michael Bree and Ian Johnson to have a greater stability in the team. Nu var det dags att tillföra mer show till Gothia Basket, han är en spänstig dunkmaskin och han heter Benson Callier. Now it was time to add more show to the Gothia Basketball, he is an athletic dunkmaskin and his name is Benson Callie.

Benson spelade collegebasket för Western Kentucky University, där han var lagkompis med nyblivne NBA spelaren Courtney Lee. Benson played collegebasket for Western Kentucky University, where he was teammates with the new NBA player Courtney Lee. Hans agent heter John Spencer och spelade i Kärcher Basket tillsammans med Joey Johnson. His agent named John Spencer and played in Kärcher Basketball along with Joey Johnson.

Gothia kontaktade John för en månad sen och gav honom i uppdrag att hitta 2000-talets Joey- en spänstig och spektakulär dunkmaskin. Gothia contacted John for a months ago and gave him a mandate to find 2,000-century Joey-an athletic and spectacular dunkmaskin. I normala fall kontaktar agenterna oss och tipsar om spelare de redan har, men den här gången var det annorlunda. Normally, the agents contact us and provide tips on the players they already have, but this time was different. Vi visste exakt vad vi ville ha och efter att sökt av marknaden hittade Spencer för en vecka sedan Benson Callier. We knew exactly what we wanted and sought after by the market found Spencer for a week ago, Benson Callie.

Joey Johnson var under mitten av 90-talet Basketligans stora affischnamn och vi räknar med att Benson blir hans tronföljare. Joey Johnson was during the mid-90s Basketligans large affischnamn and we expect that Benson will be his tronföljare. Han var under förra säsongen en av de stora stjärnorna i amerikanska proffsligan CBA och han har alla förutsättningar att bli en stjärna även i Gothia Basket och Svenska Basketligan. He was last season, one of the big stars in the U.S. proffsligan CBA, and he has all the prerequisites to become a star in the Gothia Basketball and the Swedish Basketligan. Kontraktet med Gothia är hans första i Europa och sträcker sig över en säsong. The contract with the Gothia is his first in Europe and extends over a season.

- Benson blir en viktig pusselbit. -- Benson become an important part of the puzzle. Han är en komplett spelare som kan dunka, göra poäng och även spela försvar. He is a complete player who can thump, making points, and also play defense. Till spelstilen påminner han om Joey Johnson och kommer förhoppningsvis att bli en lika stor tillgång för Gothia Basket som Joey var för Kärcher, säger Jonas Fredrikson, som i början av sin karriär var lagkompis med Johnson. As a style of play reminds him of Joey Johnson and will hopefully become an equal access for the Gothia Basketball that Joey was too Kärcher, "says Jonas Fredrikson, who at the beginning of his career was teammates with Johnson.

Recap and What's To Come

2007-04-23T11:57:00.000-04:00

"Benson Callier 6-6 Western Kentucky – An extremely athletic player who can play the ¾ position. He averaged 16.5ppg and 8.5rpg for the event. He showed the ability to play out on the floor as well as on the post. He is an excellent leaper who can rebound in traffic."

After two games this weekend this is what was said about my game. From the description of my leaping ability, one can tell I was putting on an air attack. This years Hoops Pro Invitational was a great opportunity to meet other players from around the country. It also gave me the chance to play against some of the best competitors in and around Kentucky. I came off the bench both games to lift up our team defensively. Averaging only 12 minutes per game I collected an averaged nearly a double double and played lock down perimeter and low post defense. It was great to once again play for something. Although we lost the first game, due to a flat start we picked it up for the final game with a high-scoring victory/finale of 103-100. I played with UofL seniors Parrin Johnson and Brandon Jenkins, Xavier's, big man, Brandon Cole AKA "The IceBox" because he will freeze you out and several other seniors from their respected programs. Considering the fact that I wasn't even suppose to play, really makes me feel a sence of accomplishment. I simply found this tournament online and submitted my credentials to Coach Stinnett and the next thing I know I was on the roster with UofL stars and playing against potential pro players. It may be small but I really enjoyed myself. This weekend I am schedualed to play in the WBA showcase in Indiana.I also have plans to play in Texas this weekend.

Psalm of Faith: Journey To The Tryout

2007-04-16T22:17:00.000-04:00

As everyone knows, I had been training pretty hard for the opportunity to play among the best senior college basketball players in the country at the P.I.T. Without the necessary resources that trip was unfortunately cancelled. Although I was greatly discouraged I continued to train and prepare myself for an opportunity to shine. As everyone know I made a calendar with workout plans on them and made further arrangments to play in tournaments around the country. (On my own accord) So I had already missed the planned P.I.T. Tourney in V.A. and had planned to go to Marietta, GA to try-out for an exposure league that has sent numerous players on to my ultimate goal, that is the NBA. The training I was doing to prepare for this try-out was great. I felt good! I would work during the day, and practice at night. During this time I hadn't thought twice about how exactly was I going to get to Marietta, GA! This issue didn't arise until the night before. Without a dollar to my name and hours until the greyhound left for Marietta at 6pm arriving there just in time for me to registar. I had to raise $125 dollars to get there and $225 to register in what is now hours. I began to call friends, family, hell anybody who would listen! I had gathered all of my clothes out of my dorm room in northeast and began to wash them and iron them in prepartion to sell them to Plato's closet for some extra cash. I didn't finish that until about 4am Thursday morning. I had plans on leaving a day early on Thursday after work so that my legs wouldn't be so tired. My bus was schedualed to leave at 6pm thursday evening. I was hustling after work. I mean hustling! Pawning my TV, VCR, Everything! On some crack head SHHHHH! By the time I finished hustling I had relized that I missed selling my clothes to Plato's closet. I was stressed to my peak because no matter what I did, I was getting nowhere, fast. I just refused to miss another opportunity, I just had to make this one. If I didnt make it I thought that I would just break. It was now only two hours before I was schedualed to leave and I was exhausted, I had now only slept two hours in two days and I only have $2 to my name. It is now around one hour before my bus leave and reality as I knew began to set in. I was going to miss this trip, AGAIN! I almost cried. Picture a grown ass man boo hoo crying. I would be lying to say the only reason I didn't cry is because I was going to fight until the bitter end. [sic] And if I went down I was going to go OWT fightin! It is now 6 and my bus has left and I have now accepted the fact that it was over. And as soon as I deserted myself, like a light bulb I get a phone call. "Hey daddy", its my son Darien and I was immediately uplifted with the closure of our conversation, "I love you daddy" I almost lost it, I had to make it. Soon after my talk with my son, Adrien DeLoach called and asked me how I was doing and I told him of my distress. He spoke not a word of himself and said that he would fill up his tank and let me drive his car. Shortly after that I get another call and it is my mentor and damn near father Anthony Lawrence who vows to pay the $225 registration fee. And then almost seconds after that I get a phone call from a girlfriend of mine who asked to remain nameless who lets me borrow $40. All of this happening almost minutes after I had thought that it couldn't be done. Now I had a car with a full tank and $42 to eat on and now about 6hrs to get to Marietta before the 8am registration deadline. I was advised to go to sleep by everyone before I set owt on the road. I decided to get my directions and hit the road before something else happens to prevent me from going. So around 12am Friday morning I was on the road! It was about the time I got to the other side of Chattanooga when the sand man hit me hard! I had to stop but not for long. I slept for 45 min and I was on the road again. I made it to Life University at 8am and my head was bloody but unbowed. Now with 2hrs and 45minutes of slepp in the last 72hrs I was hit! That means dead tired with body aches and just problems I couldnt see a solution too. I mean I still didn't have anywhere to stay in Marietta and no money to eat with while I was there. But I was there and that was the main battle. I registered and played basketball and drills for nine hours! I felt like I was in mini camp! I guess that is their weeeding out process or something. All I remember is being asked to do a 17 but not running, defensive slides. What! Defensive slides! I thought the man was crazy! But I did them with a smile and enthusiam that lifted up the people around me. It was fun to me, challenging myself through all of the obstacles that most people don't know about or even see. The first day of camp is over and I am now so tired Im sleep walkin. I need a place to stay, then out of nowhere a friend of my friend Adrien called me and asked me if I needed a place to stay for the night? I wanted to say HEEEEEELLLLLL YEAH! But I simply said yes. Eric Kemp is his name. The man open his home to me, a virtural stranger. The Kemp's showed me so much love, I felt almost bad for all the things they did for me. At the end of the day, when it is all said and done this is what happen.
Notable Sponsors
Adrien DeLoach-Car
Tiffany Hubert- Food for the road
Anthony Lawrence- $225 registration fee
THA Kemp's- Southern Hospitality
THA Myer's-$80, used for gas and food in Marietta
Nameless Girl-$40
Friends and Family- Support and Love
Thank you to everyone who pitched in to help me have this opportunity.
When it is all said and done, know this:
"the journey of 1000 miles begins with the first step"
Thanks Eddy
Young people believe, have faith and dont desert yourselves. Do everything in your power and let the chips fall where they may. This is my story of COURAGE, AMBITION AND LOVE.