POPS TO GET LONG CONTRACT
04/12/2009

A SEASON which has been marred by injury and seen him play for no fewer than four clubs will end with the British international Pops Mensah-Bonsu being offered a permanent contract by NBA club the Toronto Raptors.

Mensah-Bonsu, 25, has spent the last six weeks of the NBA regular season impressing Raptors management to the extent that they will make him a "qualifying offer" in June, effectively guaranteeing the Hackney-based 6'9" forward a place in the league next season.

Not only does that development represent a personal success for Mensah-Bonsu, it will also enable him to take his place with the GB team preparing for this summer's European Championship Finals unencumbered by concerns over trying to earn a contract in the States or gaining insurance against an as-yet unobtained contract.

"Pops has come in and given our team a much-needed shot of energy," said Toronto general manager Bryan Colangelo. "And what we have realised is that while Pops is by no means the complete NBA player, he is clearly someone who deserves to play at the NBA level.

"Let's just say that at this stage I am inclined to extend the qualifying offer so we are in a position to control the cards in free agency.

"That way, if Pops obtains an offer from another club, we will have the option to match it. If he gets an offer we don't have the appetite to match, then we can let him go."

Mensah-Bonsu had previously spent a brief spell in 2006-07 with the Dallas Mavericks before playing well in Italy and earning a lucrative contract this season with leading Spanish club Joventut Badalona.

However, after a strong start in Spain, he badly injured his shoulder, was released by Badalona and, after rehabilitation, earned a move to the Austin Toros in the NBA Development - or reserve - league.

Having made an instant impact in Texas, Mensah-Bonsu was called up and played three games in February for the Toros' senior NBA club the San Antonio Spurs prior to being signed to a short-term deal by the Raptors.

"These last three or four months have been crazy," said Mensah-Bonsu. "I've had four different teams, been all over the place, living out of suitcases.

"But it's all been worthwhile. I'm just glad to have been able to make it here and, hopefully, I'll be able to stay. It's the first time I've really had a chance to play in the NBA and I definitely feel comfortable now as an NBA player.

"Now I have my foot in the door, it's time to show what I can do and I feel confident about next season. Toronto has been a good fit for me, I love playing for this team, love the fans, love the city - it has a little London feel about it. I look forward to being here next year if everything works out."

Ian Whittell for 24/7