Draft:Ben Gonzales III

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Ben Gonzales III
Ben Gonzales III circa 2024 at Summer League Championships in Cedar Park, TX
Born	Benjamin Brandon Gonzales III Van Nuys, Ca
Alma mater	Los Angeles Pierce College, University of California Los Angeles
Known for	High School Basketball Player, Youth Basketball Coach
Predecessor	Andre McCarter
Honours	Ranked #45 Los Angeles CIF Section Basketball Player 2x LA CIF All-Star Selection 3x CIF Player Of The Month 2x City Champion 1x California Classic Champion 1x BPSC Champion 1x NS Summer League Champion 1x NS League Coach Of The Year

Ben Gonzales III

Ben Gonzales III is a former high school and college basketball player known for his contributions at Birmingham High School in Lake Balboa, California and a reputable youth basketball coach in Central Texas.

Biography

Ben Gonzales III was born on December 6th, 1986 in Panorama City, California. He resided in Van Nuys, California for most of his youth where he became recognized for his basketball attributes at a young age, during Middle School. Gonzales played AAU Basketball from 1998-2001. He had an accomplished High School Basketball career and a short stint playing College Basketball in Los Angeles. Today, Gonzales coaches youth basketball players in Central Texas.

Early Life and High School Career

Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Gonzales began his basketball journey at Grant High School in Van Nuys, California. He made the varsity team as a freshman, where he averaged 9.4 points per game.

After his sophomore year, Gonzales transferred to Birmingham High School. There, he was coached by Andre McCarter, a former standout at The University of California- Los Angeles, who played under the legendary Coach John Wooden from 1973-1976. McCarter was later selected as the 6th round, 89th overall pick in the 1976 NBA draft by the Kansas City Kings.

Under McCarter’s guidance, Gonzales developed his skills and basketball IQ to become one of the top players in the Los Angeles CIF Section. During his junior year, he averaged 18.2 points per game, and in his senior year, he improved to 20.1 points per game, solidifying his reputation as a top high school basketball player in the state. He was ranked #45 in the state of California.

College Career

Gonzales began his collegiate basketball career at Los Angeles Pierce College. In his freshman season, he played as a point guard, averaging 16.7 points and 9.4 assists per game. His performance was instrumental in leading the Brahmas to their first semifinal playoff run.

In 2006, Gonzales transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he joined the Bruins as a walk-on redshirt. During the 2006-2007 season, the Bruins achieved significant success, advancing to the NCAA Final Four before losing to the eventual champions, the Florida Gators.

Coaching Career

Today, Ben Gonzales III is actively involved in coaching youth basketball players in Leander, Texas. He serves as the head coach for the Leander Youth Basketball League, where he has led his teams to championship runs in both 2022 and 2023. In addition to his league coaching, Gonzales is a select coach for the Brandy Perryman Shooting Camp, one of the country’s top basketball camp programs, founded by former University of Texas shooting guard Brandy Perryman. Through his coaching and love for the game, Gonzales continues to inspire and develop young athletes, sharing his passion for the game.

Legacy

Ben Gonzales III is remembered for his significant contributions to high school basketball in Los Angeles and his journey of being recognized as one of the most sought after coaches to play for in Youth Basketball. Given his Basketball pedigree of coaches, there is pride being a part of the John Wooden coaching umbrella. His perseverance and skill on the court have inspired many young athletes in Central Texas, as he remains committed to teaching young players how to play the game the right way.