CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State University sophomore guard Corey Benjamin has decided to forgo his junior and senior collegiate seasons, and has declared himself eligible for the 1998 National Basketball Association Draft. The draft is scheduled for June 24 in Vancouver, B.C.

The 6'6" guard was an honorable mention All-Pac-10 selection this season, and a Pac-10 All-Freshman team pick in 1996-97. Benjamin averaged 19.8 points (2nd in Pac-10) and five rebounds in 25 games. He also ranked in the top 10 in the conference for steals and field goal percentage, and was one of only four players in the league to lead his team in scoring and rebounding.

"I have decided now is the time to take on a new challenge," Benjamin said. "For a basketball player, the ultimate challenge is to play and succeed in the NBA. After a great deal of thought and discussions with family members and friends, I have decided to enter the 1998 NBA Draft."

Benjamin was arguably the most heralded men's basketball student-athlete to ever sign with Oregon State. He went on to score 839 points in 48 games (17.5 pts p/g), and tallied 30 or more points in a single game six times.

"I have very fond memories of my time at Oregon State University," Benjamin said. "The University has given me a great opportunity to develop as a basketball player and to gain a first-rate education. I would especially like to thank Coach Eddie Payne for his guidance over the past two years, as well as all of my teammates at Oregon State."

"Corey's early entry in the NBA Draft is a dream come true for him and his family, and I certainly wish him the best," Beaver Head Coach Eddie Payne said. "Corey contributed greatly to the excitement of basketball at Oregon State. He is one of the most talented and gifted student-athletes I have ever been around."

Benjamin came to Oregon State after earning USA Today second team All-American honors, and being selected the Long Beach Press-Telegram's Best in the West top player. He averaged 27.6 points and 11.5 rebounds as a senior at Fontana High School in Riverside, Cal.

"Corey needs to work on certain aspects of his game, but that is the case for every player at any level," Payne added. "I'm very happy for him, and I want to thank him for his efforts at Oregon State."

"Despite my decision to leave school early, education is very important to me and my family," Benjamin concluded. "I intend to continue my education and complete my degree in the future."