College Commitment: Benjamin Cheung (2022 Valley Catholic)
The season has ended for Valley Catholic and unfortunately the Valiants didn’t make the post-season. There’s definitely some mixed feelings for
Benjamin Cheung
Benjamin
Cheung
6'4" | SG
Valley Catholic | 2022
State
OR
but the shifty 6-foot-3, 175-pound wing is looking ahead to the future. The senior will be going on to play college ball and recently made his commitment to Occidental at an announcement ceremony at school in front of family, teammates, and friends.
A high-academic recruit, Cheung had looked at a number of Division III schools but ultimately Oxy won out for his services. "It was the right fit for me because out of all the schools I talked to, they had the most constant communication," Cheung said. "They kept on staying in touch with me and I felt like that was the place that I belonged and they wanted me too. There was mutual interest."
Cheung has made visits to campus and the fit both on and off the floor was key. "I love the environment - it’s in LA and it’s close to home," Cheung said. "They were the first school to offer me and I’m really happy with their culture. I felt it was the most comfortable decision for me and I’m at peace."
On the basketball floor, Cheung described how he’ll fit in. "They look for shooters - that was the main thing they told me," Cheung said. "I just see myself going in there and doing what they ask, hitting threes and getting to the basket. Over the summer I’m going to work on a mid-range game so hopefully I can score at all three levels because I know in college you’re going to have to be able to. Hopefully I’ll earn some minutes my freshman year."
This past season was a bit of a struggle for Cheung as there was a coaching change right before the year started and he also struggled with some nagging injuries. The team was young and couldn’t get over the hump in several games. While things didn’t quite turn out the way he had hoped, there was still plenty to take away from the experience.
"I’m just proud of the growth of everyone else on our team," Cheung said. "We started off where everyone knew their role and I’m proud of the way we ended, even though it didn’t end the way we wanted it to. But the game at Seaside, that was by far our best game of the year because we came together and there was no quit in us. I see a really bright future with the guys coming back and them going back all the way to the top. I’m excited to see what happens."
Cheung currently ranks as #24 player in the PrepHoops Oregon Class of 2022 rankings.
