Maccabi Tel Aviv’s search for a new center has taken a fresh turn, with Greek outlet SDNA reporting that the Israeli champions have set their sights on Olympiacos’ Nathan Mensah. This comes after earlier speculation linked Maccabi with a potential return of Alex Tyus from Italian side Varese. With the Israeli transfer window closing this Friday, time is of the essence for the Yellows to finalize their roster addition.
Mensah, a 27-year-old, 2.10m (6’10”) center, joined Olympiacos in mid-December but has struggled to make an impact. The Ghanaian big man has seen limited action, logging just 5.5 total minutes across two EuroLeague games (against Zalgiris and Bayern Munich) without scoring. SDNA notes that Mensah “failed to impress” in his brief appearances and has been sidelined from coach Georgios Bartzokas’ plans, especially as Olympiacos’ injured players have returned and because Mensah is ineligible to play in the Greek domestic league.
A standout defensive talent during his college career at San Diego State, Mensah boasts an impressive 2.26m (7’5”) wingspan and was regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in the NCAA. However, he went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft and has yet to find his footing in Europe.
With the clock ticking, Maccabi Tel Aviv’s pursuit of Mensah signals their urgency to bolster the frontcourt. Will the defensive-minded center be the answer they’re looking for? Stay tuned for updates as the transfer deadline approaches.
