By Isaac Tetteh
Former Houston Rockets star, and CEO of SEED Academy Ghana, Pops Mensah-Bonsu in an interview with GTV Sports Plus revealed some key plans ahead of his upcoming basketball tournament dubbed Elite Camp 2024, set to take place on December 29, 2024, at the University of Ghana Basketball Court. The event, scheduled from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., aims to provide under-18 boys and girls with an opportunity to enhance their basketball skills while fostering personal development through sports.
“The project is for boys and girls under 18. And since then we’ve had basketball tournaments, camps, and this year we’re doing our camp again, but it’s going to be the first time that we’re opening it to the public,”Pops Mensah-Bonsu stated.
Pops thrived at The George Washington University, leading the Colonials to NCAA Tournament appearances and earning numerous accolades, including a Hall of Fame induction. Despite going undrafted, he became the second player of Ghanaian descent to play in the NBA, enjoying a 10-year career with teams like the Spurs, Raptors, and Rockets, as well as international stints.
One of his proudest moments was representing the British National Basketball Team at the 2012 Olympics. After retiring, Pops transitioned into leadership roles, joining the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) and later becoming the General Manager of the Capital City Go-Go, where he led the team to a successful inaugural season. Currently, he serves as the President of Minor League Operations for the New York Knicks.
With his huge involvement in making a change with basketball Pops emphasised the importance of community involvement in sports, noting that this year’s camp will reach out to a broader audience. “Yeah, so it’s the first year we’re opening it to the public because, again, looking at the power of sports, we want to make sure that we’re embracing the larger and local community to raise awareness of the impact of sports,” he explained.
He further shared that the academy incorporates life skills training and character development into its programming. “We want to provide programming to instill this character development in these kids. Give them life skills training,” he remarked. This holistic approach aims to prepare young athletes not just for the court, but for life beyond sports.
Additionally, Pops outlined that he aims to instill a sense of community responsibility in the participants. “We have a community service component too on my necklace, which we all know means to reach back and get. That’s what I’m doing with my camp and this academy,” he said.
Ultimately, Pops vision for the SEED Academy Ghana Camp is to empower the next generation of athletes with the skills and values they need to succeed. “But when you get that knowledge and experience, the understanding that you have to come back and pour back into your community, which is exactly what I’m doing,” he concluded.
