Northwestern recruit Barret Benson signs National Letter of Intent

Barret Benson, a three/four-star center from Hinsdale South in Darien, Ill., has signed his National Letter of Intent with Northwestern basketball.

Benson confirmed Wednesday his signing on Twitter, the first day of the early signing period:

Blessed beyond measure, never thought I would be here but I have signed my NLI this morning and I am officially a #B1GCat

— Barret Benson (@bigbenson40) November 11, 2015

Benson, a 6-foot-9, 240-pound center gave his pledge to Northwestern back in July. He chose NU over Indiana, Purdue, Illinois, Iowa, Iowa State, Vanderbilt and others. He also had interest from Wisconsin, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Michigan and Georgetown, per 247 Sports.

Benson is rated as a three-star prospect, and the 19th best center in his class, by 247 Sports. Rivals gives him a fourth star, and ranks him just outside of his class's top 100. ESPN also has him as a four-star.

Benson's arrival will fill a need for Northwestern after the departures of Alex Olah and Joey van Zegeren following the 2015-16 season.

Forward Rapolas Ivanauskas has also signed his National Letter of Intent with NU, and guard Isiah Brown is expected to follow Wednesday afternoon.