Ben Humrichous’ Las Vegas Summer League Debut Shows His NBA Potential

Ben Humrichous’ path to the NBA has never been conventional.

After beginning his collegiate career at Huntington University, making the jump to Evansville, and ultimately spending his final season at Illinois, Humrichous has built his career by proving he belongs at every level. Now, he’s doing the same in the NBA Summer League.

The former Illinois forward made an impressive debut in Las Vegas for the Brooklyn Nets in their 91-65 victory over the New York Knicks on July 10. In just over 18 minutes of action, Humrichous scored nine points while grabbing five rebounds, shooting an efficient 60% from the field and 60% from beyond the arc. 

For an undrafted player competing on an Exhibit 10 contract, every possession matters. Humrichous looked comfortable spacing the floor, knocking down open shots, and contributing on the glass, qualities that made him an attractive frontcourt option throughout his college career.

While his two seasons at Illinois didn’t produce eye-popping statistics, it showcased his willingness to adapt to a new role. Surrounded by one of the nation’s deepest rosters, Humrichous averaged 7.6 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 34.3% from three-point range. More importantly, he embraced doing the little things that helped the Fighting Illini win games, earning the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award along the way. 

His season in Champaign also highlighted his versatility. At 6-foot-9, Humrichous demonstrated the ability to stretch the floor, move without the basketball, and defend multiple positions. Those skills translate well to the modern NBA, where floor-spacing forwards who play within a system are increasingly valuable.

Before arriving at Illinois, Humrichous established himself as one of the Missouri Valley Conference’s top newcomers at Evansville, averaging 14.7 points and shooting over 41% from three-point range. That offensive confidence appears to be resurfacing in Summer League, where he’s been willing to let perimeter shots fly while showing the same offensive versatility that defined much of his collegiate career. 

Summer League is only the beginning, but for a player like Humrichous, every opportunity represents another step forward.

His debut for Brooklyn was not defined by one standout shooting performance, but by the qualities that have carried him throughout his basketball journey: confidence, adaptability, and the ability to make an impact wherever he is needed. From Huntington University to Evansville, Illinois, and now the NBA stage, Humrichous has continued to embrace every challenge placed in front of him.

At Illinois, he learned how to contribute on a team filled with high-level talent. He accepted his role, competed on both ends of the floor, and showed that his value extended beyond the box score. Those lessons are now translating to the professional level, where consistency and versatility can separate players fighting for an opportunity.

The Nets’ Summer League roster is filled with players looking to prove they belong, and Humrichous is no different. But his journey has always been built on earning his way into the conversation. His first appearance in Brooklyn was another reminder that development is not always linear, as sometimes the players who take the longest roads are the ones most prepared when their moment arrives.

As Summer League continues, Humrichous will have more chances to showcase the skill set that made him an intriguing NBA prospect. Whether it is knocking down shots, battling for rebounds, or making the right play within the offense, he has already shown he can contribute.

When I interviewed Humrichous after his debut game in Las Vegas on July 10, I asked what his main goals coming into Summer League were. He had no hesitation answering my question, stating that he had ambitions to “Find the role that they needed me to play, be successful on my team, and be the best I can”.

For a player who has spent his career climbing one level at a time, the NBA is simply the next challenge. And if his debut is any indication, Ben Humrichous is ready for the opportunity.