Tipp City, Ohio — The news broke quietly and suddenly on Thursday night, as Tippecanoe star and reigning MVL player of the year Ben Knostman had committed to Winthrop University. The incoming senior held other offers from Lehigh, UNOH, Malone, Point Park, Saginaw Valley St., Ashland, and Indiana Wesleyan.

Knostman is the first Tipp player to go to a division one university for basketball since Robert Goldsberry went to Canisius all the way back in 2007. Knostman was also the first Tippecanoe player since 2014 to win a conference player of the year award. The last player to do so was Ben Stucke.

When asked if COVID-19 was a determining factor in his early commitment, Knostman said, “COVID definitely wasn’t the main reason that I decided early but it was a factor since AAU season was so different this year.”

Ben also went on to say that, “I feel like this would have been my choice regardless since Winthrop is such a great school and I really meshed with the coaches and players.”

Knostman also said that he likes how Winthrop competes every year in their league and is able to play in March Madness most seasons.

“My biggest influences would be my family first and foremost and then all the great coaches that I’ve had along the way like Grant Gilliland, Adam Toohey, David Ramey, Sam Talley, and all the others,” Knostman said. “My workouts with Sammy Faulkner and Miles Dixon have also helped me reach my goals.”

With his commitment out of the way, Knostman can now just focus on his senior season, that is if he gets a senior season. “I’m really hoping that we can have a season, but I understand that it is out of my control though so all I can do is pray and wait.” The Red Devils will look to make their longest playoff run in over a decade as they return other talented pieces like Zach Frederick and Gavin Garlitz.