Pops ready for new challenge

Pops Mensah-Bonsu is hoping to translate his success with team GB into further spoils with his new club DKV Joventut as the Spanish season gets underway.

The 25-year-old, who averaged 12.2 points and 10 rebounds per game in Britain's successful EuroBasket 2009 qualifying campaign, only joined the ULEB Cup champions at the end of September, but is looking forward to adjusting to life in Badalona.

"It has been an easy adjustment for me, although I came late to join the team I was able adjust to the new system, new players and new surroundings," he said.

"The players, coaches and administration have embraced me nicely and have made my time here so far very comfortable.

"I am looking forward to playing in this new league, it is an exciting, fast league with a high level of competition."

Mensah-Bonsu is also hoping to emulate Spain and DKV Joventut guard Rudy Fernandez, who signed for NBA side Portland Trail Blazers this summer.

"I feel that if you are able to play well in this league you can be successful anywhere," he said.

"Ever since I was with Dallas (Mavericks) I've always wanted to go back to the NBA. I was hoping to do so this year but Spain was a better option financially and I was so excited to go there, so hopefully I will put myself in a better position."

Despite having the EuroBasket finals in Poland as well as hopes of an NBA return to look forward to, Mensah-Bonsu says he is focused on DKV Joventut's first regular season game against FC Barcelona on Sunday.

"Although the summer went well I have to put it behind me for now and concentrate on the goal at hand," he said. "I will start thinking about Britain and Poland '09 a little closer to the time."

"There are a few teams in the mix in the ACB this year with the contenders being us, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Tau Ceramica, and Unicaja Malaga, so we all want to get off to a strong start."

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