STWF Sports | NEW ORLEANS | April 21, 2026 — The New Orleans Privateers men’s basketball continue to build momentum on the Lakefront, and senior guard Coleton Benson has emerged as the latest centerpiece of that rise. On Tuesday afternoon, Benson was recognized among the state’s elite, earning first-team honors on the 2025–26 All-Louisiana Men’s Basketball Team as selected by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.
Cole Benson’s Impact on the Team
The recognition caps a standout campaign for the Privateers’ sharpshooter, who also secured All-Southland Conference honors following one of the most efficient offensive seasons in program history. Benson’s ability to stretch the floor and deliver in critical moments defined New Orleans’ identity throughout the year.
Benson’s statistical profile places him among the nation’s most efficient scorers. The senior finished the regular season ranked first in the Southland Conference and third in the NCAA in free-throw percentage, converting an impressive 92.8 percent of his attempts. That mark not only led the league but also set both program and conference single-season records, underscoring his consistency at the line.
From beyond the arc, Benson remained equally impactful. He ranked second in the Southland in both three-point percentage (35.9%) and total three-pointers made, knocking down 89 shots from distance — the second-highest single-season total in school history. His perimeter presence forced opposing defenses to extend coverage, opening opportunities for the Privateers’ offense to operate with greater spacing and efficiency.
Benson’s scoring production reflected that versatility. He averaged 16.2 points per game, finishing sixth in the conference while delivering double-digit scoring in the majority of his appearances. His season included 10 performances of 20 points or more and a conference-best four games of at least 30 points, highlighting his ability to take over offensively when needed.
One of his defining performances came early in the season, when Benson erupted for 33 points in a statement victory over previously unbeaten Tulane Green Wave men’s basketball. The performance earned him Southland Player of the Week honors in November and set the tone for what would become a breakout senior campaign.
Beyond individual accolades, Benson’s recognition places him in notable company within the program’s history. He becomes the eighth Privateer to earn All-Louisiana honors since New Orleans joined the Southland Conference in 2013–14, and the first to be named to the first team since Bryson Robinson during the 2019–20 season. Overall, Benson represents the 50th All-Louisiana selection in program history and the 18th first-team honoree dating back to the program’s early years.
His selection also comes during a competitive year for Louisiana college basketball, with McNeese standout Larry Johnson earning both Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors, while LSU’s Max Mackinnon was named Newcomer of the Year. Benson’s inclusion on the first team alongside those names reflects the level of respect he has garnered across the state.
For the Privateers, Benson’s emergence has been a key factor in the program’s continued development under its current leadership. His combination of shooting efficiency, scoring ability, and veteran presence has provided stability for a roster that has shown flashes of growth throughout the season.
As New Orleans looks ahead, Benson’s senior campaign will be remembered as one of the most productive and efficient in recent program history. His ability to deliver in high-pressure moments and maintain elite shooting percentages across the board has not only elevated his individual profile but also reinforced the Privateers’ competitive standing within the Southland Conference.
In a season defined by consistency and offensive precision, Benson has firmly established himself as one of Louisiana’s top collegiate players — a distinction now officially recognized among the state’s best.
