Ben Humrichous Signs with Brooklyn Nets: Former Illinois Forward Goes from NAIA to NBA Opportunity

Former Illinois forward Ben Humrichous officially took the next step in one of the more unlikely basketball journeys you’ll find this offseason.

According to DraftExpress, Ben Humrichous has signed an Exhibit-10 contract with the Brooklyn Nets, giving the former Illini forward an opportunity to compete in Summer League beginning July 9 before fighting for a roster spot in training camp.

And honestly, the journey itself is remarkable. Three years ago, Humrichous was playing NAIA basketball at Huntington University in Indiana. Now the 6-foot-9 forward has a legitimate opportunity to prove he belongs at the highest level after spending two seasons developing at Illinois.

The numbers don’t immediately jump off the page. Humrichous averaged 5.8 points and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 36.1 percent from three-point range during his final season in Champaign.

But the biggest growth came on the other end of the floor.

Ben Humrichous played his role well

After struggling defensively during his first season at Illinois, Humrichous returned looking like a completely different player. His improved lateral quickness allowed him to stay in front of guards far better than he had previously, and his 6-foot-9 frame and length suddenly became a weapon instead of a weakness. By March, he had become one of Illinois’ more trusted defensive role players during the program’s Final Four run.

An Exhibit-10 contract is far from a guaranteed NBA roster spot, but it gives Humrichous something every undrafted player needs: a foot in the door. The Nets are still searching for direction, and Humrichous brings exactly what NBA teams value: size, floor spacing, positional versatility, and now a far more complete defensive profile.

No, this doesn’t guarantee an NBA future.

But for a player who went from NAIA basketball to earning an NBA opportunity in three years, betting against Ben Humrichous has felt like a losing bet before.

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