The 2016 NBA Draft had a historic touch when the Boston Celtics drafted Ben Bentil to become the first Ghanaian in the NBA earlier today at the Barclays Center in New York City. The 6 foot 8 inch Forward was selected 51st and his selection sparked wild celebrations in the stands from the Ghanaian contingent.
The entourage which included University of Ghana Coach and former standout player, Meme Falconer, who Bentil credits for introducing him to the sport, Temple University Ghanaian Forward Ernest Aflakpui and Bentil’s mother Faustina Bentil.
There was much to cheer for Africa as players with direct routes to the continent were picked including Mali’s Chieck Diallo and Pascal Siakam from Cameroon.
Despite his late introduction to the game, Bentil has developed steadily over the short years to be one of the most interesting prospects in the game. After averaging only six points in his first season at Providence College, his second season proved more successful when he averaged 21 points and seven rebounds per game.
He emerged the leading scorer in the Big East Conference and subsequently got named Most Improved Player of the Year in the Conference.
