Center Barret Benson to transfer from Northwestern

Northwestern center Barret Benson, who has one year of eligibility remaining, will graduate in three years and transfer, he announced Tuesday afternoon on Twitter.

Benson scored 194 total points in 96 games for the Wildcats (2 points per game), and largely contributed as a backup center behind Dererk Pardon.

“We are excited for Barret to begin his next chapter in life and in basketball,” head coach Chris Collins said in a statement. “For him to graduate in three years from Northwestern is an amazing accomplishment and speaks volumes to his work ethic and dedication. He is an incredible young adult who is sure to be a successful in life in whatever he pursues. He will always be a Wildcat and we wish him nothing but the best.”

Benson is the third player to announce his intent to transfer this offseason, joining Aaron Falzon and Jordan Ash. Now, all three members of Northwestern’s 2016 recruiting class (Benson, Isiah Brown and Rapolas Ivanauskas) have transferred out of Northwestern.

Northwestern is now down to six returning players, and Collins will have four scholarships to work with on the grad transfer market.