Ben Humrichous took an unlikely path from the NAIA ranks to the Big Ten and is now looking to earn his first NBA opportunity with the Brooklyn Nets. Here's everything to know about the 6-foot-9 sharpshooting forward ahead of Summer League.
After an unconventional climb from the NAIA level to the Big Ten, Ben Humrichous is hoping to continue that journey by earning a place in the Brooklyn Nets organization.
The 6-foot-9, 235-pound forward joins Brooklyn's Summer League roster after going undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft. Known for his size, shooting touch, and feel for the game, Humrichous will have the opportunity to compete for a training camp spot and potentially begin his professional career with the Long Island Nets.
College Career
Humrichous began his college career at Huntington University, an NAIA school in Indiana, where he spent three seasons developing into one of the Crossroads League's top forwards. He earned Second-Team All-Crossroads League honors in both 2022 and 2023 before making the jump to Division I.
His lone season at Evansville proved to be the breakout year of his career. Despite missing time with a foot injury, Humrichous averaged 14.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.9 blocks and 0.7 steals while shooting 48.4 percent from the field and 41.4 percent from three. His production earned him MVC All-Newcomer Team honors and made him one of the most sought-after forwards in the transfer portal.
He transferred to Illinois ahead of the 2024-25 season, where he adjusted to Big Ten competition while averaging 7.6 points and 3.8 rebounds in 25.8 minutes per game. Humrichous returned for a second season in Champaign and embraced a different role, averaging 5.8 points and 3.9 rebounds in 22.5 minutes per game while helping the Fighting Illini reach the Final Four. He also earned the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award during his time at Illinois.
Professional Outlook
Humrichous went undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft before signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the Brooklyn Nets. Summer League will be his first chance to show he can translate his game to the professional level as he competes for a training camp spot, a possible two-way contract, or a role with the Long Island Nets.
Although he'll turn 23 as a rookie, Humrichous enters the league with plenty of college experience and a skill set that fits the modern NBA.
Scouting Report
Humrichous' biggest strength is his shooting.
At 6-foot-9, he has the size to shoot over defenders and the confidence to fire from well beyond the arc. Whether he's spotting up, popping off screens or attacking a hard closeout, he's comfortable playing as a floor-spacing forward. His 41.4 percent mark from three at Evansville showed the type of shooting ability that first put him on NBA scouts' radar.
He's also a smart offensive player who rarely forces the issue. Humrichous keeps the ball moving, makes quick decisions, and has enough ball-handling ability to attack mismatches or put the ball on the floor when defenders overplay his jumper. While he isn't a primary playmaker, he's a willing passer who understands how to play within an offense.
The biggest question is on the defensive end. Humrichous doesn't have elite lateral quickness, which can make defending athletic wings difficult, and he's not built to spend extended minutes guarding centers. His size, instincts and effort help make up for some of those limitations, but continuing to improve defensively will be key if he wants to stick in the NBA.
How He Fits With Brooklyn
Brooklyn has made a habit of bringing in versatile forwards with one standout NBA skill, and for Humrichous, that's his shooting.
He doesn't need the ball to be effective, which makes him an easy fit alongside Brooklyn's young guards and creators. If he can consistently knock down open shots and prove he can hold his own defensively, he'll give himself a chance to stick within the organization.
Even if he doesn't earn an NBA roster spot right away, Humrichous looks like a strong candidate to spend next season with the Long Island Nets. Brooklyn has frequently used Exhibit 10 contracts to develop players internally, and a strong Summer League could be the first step toward carving out a professional role.
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