Mensah Is Still Open

Kojo Mensah, a 6'1'' 180 pound combo guard from Bishop Loughlin High School in Brooklyn, has received interest from a number of mid-level Division I programs in the Northeast.

Some Atlantic 10 programs, like Xavier, Dayton, St. Joseph's, and St. Bonaventure's have called to inquire, but sources tell Rivalshoops.com that these programs' interest is most likely cursory. Siena, Fairfield, St. Peter's, and Niagara have all expressed legitimate interest.

Mensah is a unique backcourt prospect because of his athleticism and instincts. He gets his hands on a lot of balls defensively, particularly in transition, and has a terrific wingspan for a guard. Mensah is very slippery in traffic, adept at slicing through defenses for points. He spins, double pumps, contorts, or otherwise does what he has to do to elude defenders and put it in.

What some may not know about Mensah is that he has excellent court vision and awareness. Kojo had 11 assists to go along with 16 points in Bishop Loughlin's seeding round win over St. Francis Prep on Sunday. Keep in mind that Mensah is forced to play in the post for Loughlin because of the team's lack of size. Despite that, Kojo racked up a bunch of assists, most of the time hitting open teammates in transition.

Mensah draws similarities to Iona freshman Ricky Soliver in that he can impact a game without putting the ball in the hoop, considering his passing ability and defensive prowess. Offensively, Kojo still needs to shoot the ball more consistently, however.

Mensah carries a B average in the classroom, and has already qualified comfortably on the SAT. Kojo will likely take the test again this spring with the hopes of boosting his score to 1100.