Official Signing: Nathan Mensah Joins Maccabi Tel Aviv
Arrival of Nathan Mensah
In a significant move for the team, Maccabi Tel Aviv has officially announced the signing of Nathan Mensah, a former player with Olympiacos. The addition of the 27-year-old Ghanaian center comes as the team aims to strengthen its roster under coach Oded Kattash ahead of the playoff phase of the season.
Player Profile
Nathan Mensah stands at an impressive 2.26 meters (7 feet 5 inches) tall and has made headlines with his defensive capabilities. He averages 1.6 blocked shots and over 6 rebounds per game. Mensah has been recognized as the defensive player of the year twstart in his conference, the Mountain West, in both 2022 and 2023.
Background and Early Career
Born in April 1998 in Accra, the capital of Ghana, Mensah initially played soccer before transitioning to basketball at the age of 13 due to his exceptional height. His talents were quickly spotted by a scout, leading to his relocation to the United States where he played for a high school team in California.
After receiving multiple offers from NCAA programs, he eventually chose to play for San Diego State University, an institution known for producing basketball stars like Kawhi Leonard.
Professional Experience
Despite not being selected in the NBA draft, Mensah signed with the Charlotte Hornets, playing 25 games during the 2023/24 season. This current season, he began in the G League with the San Antonio Spurs but was signed by Olympiacos in December last year, although he faced limited playing opportunities in Greece.
Conclusion
Nathan Mensah’s arrival at Maccabi Tel Aviv represents a strategic enhancement to their lineup as they prepare for the playoffs. His height and defensive skills are expected to contribute significantly to the team’s success in the coming matches.
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