A trans athlete is taking his shot at men’s pro basketball...

[Jessica_Rose]

A trans athlete is taking his shot at men's pro basketball after playing on women's college teams

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/a-trans-athlete-is-taking-his-shot-at-men-s-pro-basketball-after-playing-on-women-s-college-teams/ar-AA1zGszF?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=8e6d201968554f168c646692fd3d2b7a&ei=90

Story by Karleigh Webb (24 Feb 2025)

On the basketball floor, trans athlete Deuce Benson knows one way to play: Meet a defense head on with heart and smarts.

"I always want to get my teammates involved, and I'm versatile on the court," he told Outsports in a recent interview. "I'd think I'd be valuable."

The point guard on women's college basketball teams at Northwest Missouri State and Ball State is working his way towards the dream he's held since high school: to play professional basketball.

The difference between then and now is life-affirming: Benson now feels as whole off the court as he does while breaking a press or running an offense.

After graduating from Ball State in 2020, and pacing the Cardinals to 21 wins in a shortened senior season, he began his gender transition even while competing well in summer pro leagues, trying to find a place in the women's pro game.

Benson sees his path bending back toward the game. His goal for 2025 is to break into men's pro hoops in a league somewhere in the world. He may make history doing it.