Nathan Mensah

Nathan Mensah's Biography

Nathan Mensah, born on 9th April 1998, is an exemplary Ghanaian basketball player, currently playing for the Austin Spurs in the NBA G League. A towering figure on the basketball court due to his staggering 7-foot-5-inch wingspan, Mensah’s journey started far from the basketball courts of America, on the soccer fields of Ghana.

In his early years, Mensah grew up playing soccer in his native country, Ghana. At the tender age of 13, an unexpected opportunity changed the course of his life when he was recruited to play in a basketball tournament. His size and talent didn’t go unnoticed, and he was spotted by Kwaku Amoaku, a pivotal figure in his career. Amoaku saw potential in Mensah and facilitated his move to the United States to attend Prolific Prep.

Mensah began to make waves in his new venture during his time at Prolific Prep. In August 2017, he participated in the Adidas Global Nations event representing Team Africa. He put up impressive numbers, averaging 13.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, heralding his growing prowess in basketball. Following his time at Prolific Prep, Mensah transferred to Findlay Prep for his senior season.

As a promising talent, Mensah attracted attention from numerous colleges. He was rated a four-star recruit and faced a tough decision about where to commit. Eventually, in October 2017, Mensah chose to play college basketball at the beautiful campus of San Diego State University, picking the Aztecs over other prestigious schools like Oregon, Oregon State, USC, and Texas Tech.

In his freshman year at San Diego State, Mensah showed promise, averaging 5.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. However, his basketball career was temporarily halted in December 2019. During the second half of a game against Cal Poly, he requested to be substituted due to shortness of breath. He was subsequently diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism, a serious condition that forced him to miss the remainder of the season.

Despite this setback, Mensah displayed resilience, returning to the court for his sophomore year. His performance improved, with averages of 6.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. As a junior, he continued his upward trajectory, averaging 8.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.

As a testament to his growth as a player, Mensah was named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year during his senior year, as well as earning a spot in the Honorable Mention All-Mountain West. His conviction and performance were key in leading the Aztecs to their first-ever Final Four and National Championship game.

Despite his collegiate success, Mensah went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft. Unfazed, he joined the Charlotte Hornets for the NBA Summer League that same year. His short stint with the Hornets ended in October when he was waived right before the start of the season. This unexpected twist led him to the Greensboro Swarm of the NBA G League, where he signed eight days later.

Throughout his career, Mensah showcased his resilience, bouncing back after his withdrawal from the Hornets. By December, he signed a two-way contract with the Hornets and made his NBA debut the following day in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Unfortunately, his comeback was short-lived, as he was waived by the Hornets in March 2024.

Mensah’s journey continued when he returned to Greensboro two days after his release. But his journey took another turn when he signed with the San Antonio Spurs in September that year. A disappointing fortnight later, he was waived by the Spurs.

Nevertheless, Mensah’s determination never wavered. On 29th October 2024, he found his latest home with the Austin Spurs. Despite the major ups and downs of his professional career, Nathan Mensah’s dedication to basketball and resolve in the face of adversity is an inspiration.

Away from the basketball court, Mensah strongly values his Christian faith, which serves as a cornerstone in his personal and professional life. His journey is not just a testament to his physical prowess but also his strong character and unwavering belief in himself and the broader plan that life holds for him.