Did You Know: Ben Bentil made history during the NBA 2016 draft by becoming Ghana’s first player in the NBA following his selection in the draft by Boston Celtics. He was the 51st pick in the prestigious annual event which draws millions of viewers all over the world.
The 21 year old made a big splash in his second season at Providence College in the US by averaging 21 points and seven rebounds per game for the Friars. His excellent form resulted in him being named Most Improved Player and leading scorer in the Big East Conference.
Bentil’s ability to stretch the floor as a potent three point scorer and his elite athletic abilities, make him a tantalizing prospect for the Celtics. Despite his limited experience in the game due to a late introduction to the game, he has improved quickly.
Another player worth noting although he is not Ghanaian born is Nana Papa Yaw Dwene "Pops" Mensah-Bonsu (born 7 September 1983). He is a British former professional basketball player. He played college basketball for George Washington University and professionally for four NBA teams as well as for clubs in Spain, France, Turkey, Russia, Italy, Israel, and Greece. During the 2012 EuroChallenge, he was named as the EuroChallenge Final Four MVP by the media professionals covering the event. He scored 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds in that first game, and went on to register eight doubles-doubles in points and rebounds in the next ten, including the tournament’s final.
Against Chalon, Mensah-Bonsu scored 26 points and captured a stratospheric 20 rebounds.
On 14 October 2015, after receiving a two-year ban for doping, he announced retirement from professional basketball. Mensah-Bonsu is currently an Advanced Pro Scout for the San Antonio Spurs.