University of Ghana (UG) Coach and former basketball player Meme Falconer has stated the imminent draft of Ghanaian Combo Forward Ben Bentil into the NBA was something he foresaw a long time ago during the latter’s tutelage under the enigmatic coach.
After guiding UG to lift the GUSA (Ghana University Sports Association) and UPAC (Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges) Basketball Championships respectively, Meme’s stature will reach dizzying heights should Bentil get drafted in June.
In an exclusive interview with the man, who according to Bentil, was responsible for turning him towards basketball, Falconer was not surprised with his former stud’s rise on the international stage.
“I foresee that with most of the players that I coach, I think the highest for them so when they make it there it is a good feeling but its’ not such a big surprise because of what I put in them”.
“He picked himself out from the rest. I picked a lot of guys and he got to where he is because he stuck with the program. He is like the 16th or 17th player that I have sent outside so far he is the one that stuck to the program” he said.
The 21 year old Bentil emigrated to the United States aged 15 but gained national attention this year following a standout year for Providence University where he averaged 21 points and seven rebounds per game.
His impressive showing in the Draft Combine has seen his stock rise; heading into the annual two day event, Bentil was a fringe prospect to land in the NBA. The Combine has prospects go through various tests including game drills and interviews before team scouts and executives.
Following his exploits at the Combine, Bentil has met Orlando, Golden State, Utah and Denver and has workouts coming up with the Clippers, the Lakers, Denver and Indiana. He can return to Providence since he has not hired an agent.
