Pops Mensah-Bonsu has been inducted into the George Washington Athletic Hall of Fame. The university held a ceremony to honor its 2019 inductees on Nov. 8.
Mensah-Bonsu currently serves as the general manager of the NBA G League’s Capital City Go-Go.
“The Hall of Fame is our greatest honor and this group represents a commitment to discipline and excellence at the highest degree,” said Tanya Vogel, GW’s director of athletics and recreation. “Their achievements were made possible through sheer determination, and we look to use their example to inspire our current and future generation of champions.”
In a news release announcing the GW Hall of Fame inductees in August, which was posted on the athletic department website, Mensah-Bonsu’s many accomplishments as a college and pro player were cited.
It stated:
Pops Mensah-Bonsu (CCAS, BA ’06) averaged double figures and led his team in blocks all four seasons at GW from 2002-06. Among the league’s top rookies with 10.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game as a freshman starter in 2002-03, Mensah-Bonsu provided 11.6 points and 5.4 boards in a reserve role en route to being named the Atlantic 10’s Chris Daniels Most Improved Player as a sophomore on GW’s 2004 NIT team. He then averaged 12.6 points and 6.6 rebounds as a junior, earning Second Team All-Atlantic 10 and All-Championship Team honors as he helped GW capture its first-ever A-10 Championship title and make the 2005 NCAA Tournament. Mensah-Bonsu cemented his legacy on GW’s banner 2005-06 team, capturing First Team All-Atlantic 10 and All-Defensive Team honors with a career-best 12.6 points and 6.7 rebounds. Pops, whose professional playing career spanned nearly a decade in the NBA, Europe and the 2012 Olympics with his native Great Britain, ranks 25th all-time at GW with 1,308 points on 58.4 percent shooting, fourth with 141 blocks and just outside the top 10 with 676 rebounds.
Pops’ thoughts
In an Instagram post on Nov. 16, Pops Mensah-Bonsu reflected on the honor and what it means to him.
“Last week I was blessed with being inducted into GW Athletics Hall Of Fame!” he wrote. “My boy @shawnjamesbk told me not to be too humble as this is a big accomplishment. It’s not in my nature to boast or brag (unless I’m on the court♂️) but my boy @kha_law told me something that I hadn’t realized until last week. He reminded me that I came to this country in 99’ and played my first NBA game in 06’. In the span of 7yrs I went from playing JV basketball as a sophomore in high school to playing on the best team in the NBA as a rookie. Friday night was the induction, during my speech I had planned to thank many of the people who helped me along this journey but due to the emotions of the moment I missed the opportunity to thank everyone. To those I may have missed, especially the ones in attendance, forgive me for not recognizing you. Know that you played an integral part on my life and career, and for that I love and thank you. Thanks to @meghan.mcpeak and @kay_symonds12 for the production. Documentary coming soon!”