GBR – Pops eager to wear British jersey again

NEW ORLEANS (EuroBasket 2011) - Pops Mensah-Bonsu is playing for the only undefeated team in the NBA, the New Orleans Hornets.

But the Great Britain big man has one eye on something else – next year’s 24-team EuroBasket in Lithuania.

"I feel that with the potential team that we could put together," Mensah-Bonsu said, "we have a chance to raise some eyebrows.

"Also, I know that as a team we feel we have the potential and capabilities to go far in the competition.

"It will be very exciting, and something that I am looking forward to."

No player was more important for Great Britain in their successful EuroBasket 2011 qualifying campaign than the 27-year-old power forward/center.

And that's quite impressive considering Luol Deng of the Chicago Bulls is also in the squad.

The 2.06m Mensah-Bonsu averaged 19.3 points and a Division A-best 13.5 rebounds.

Britain lost all three of their games at the last EuroBasket in Poland in 2009, but the team is likely to be more formidable next year in the Baltics.

Deng was injured and couldn't play in Poland.

His former Chicago Bulls teammate, Ben Gordon of the Detroit Pistons, is also preparing to suit up for the Brits this time.

Britain have yet to be a confirmed participant at the London 2012 Olympics but Mensah-Bonsu expects that they will be early next year.

If they make it, it will be the highlight in Mensah-Bonsu's career.

"The chance to play in the Olympics is any athlete's dream come true," he said.

"It is the highest level and honor in regards to representing your country.

"I am looking forward to London 2012 when I will walk on the court in front of friends and family and represent my country with pride."

As far as his NBA career goes, Mensah-Bonsu did well to earn a place on the roster of the Hornets, who have won all seven of their games.

He's not playing much, but is confident of making his mark with the team.

"I just want to make the most of this opportunity that I have been given again and build on every game," he said.

"And I feel that in the end, everything will fall into place."

FIBA