Best Mensah Plays Against Utah St.

[zollner]

Mensaha had several good plays last night. The ally-oop from Mitchel, plus the game clinching charging call against Merrell, an offensive rebound follow lay-up. The one play that really stuck out in my mind was his block of shot where he blocked the shot and kept the ball in play then retrieved the ball for another chance. Not to get hysterical but that is what Bill Russell used to preach, block the shot and keep it in play. His best game so far as an Aztec, hope he becomes more consistent especially at shot blocking and not fouling and making that wide open 15 foot shot that most teams let him have. Does give me hope for the future.

[legkick]

Honorable mention; Low post hook shot against Queta, and one.

[richpjr]

For all the hype that Queta gets, I thought Mensah outplayed him and was in his head a bit.

[12414]

The OP deserves an award for the most misspelled player names in one post

The Mensah vs. Queta matchup was fun to watch.  Thought Queta looked raw and Nathan's game more polished in comparison.  Looking forward to watching the two freshmen play again in Logan later this month.

[docmm]

My favorite thing about Mensah at last night's game was that he never, ever backed down from a bigger, physically imposing man. He got in his face and trash talked a lot and he pushed his chest into another Aggie when there was a mini-scrum after a foul call. But he wasn't obnoxious about it, pounding his chest with false bravado. Then other times, Queta and NM walked back down the court and looked like they were amiably chatting.

When he shoots his free throws I sit back in fundamental ecstasy when I compare it to poor Skylar trying to hit FTs over the years he played here. Mensah has a chance to be an incredible player for us. If he continues to improve a lot though, the pros may come calling after his sophomore year because of his athleticism and potential.

[drshotblock]

I think it was Jeremy Hemsley who said in an interview that N. Mensah is incredibly strong. He looks huge and strong. Queta looked a little bigger, but Mensah held is own very well, and did so in a controlled manner. He's very good. Looks way better than in the beginning of the season. Should be rounding into very good shape to finish the year. With a strong summer skills workout, he could be pretty dominant next year.

[junior]

I said in the game thread that I really thought last night was Mensah's breakout game. I now expect to see this from him every game - whether it happens consistently or not, I at least now know he can do it.

[jdaztec]

He was very poised and handled himself very well. He seemed much more mature than their center. It looked like the first time this year that Mensah was really comfortable out there. Great game for him.

[dunksalot]

Mensah was so dominant the Utah State adjustment at halftime was to use Queta to attack Nathan and try to get him into foul trouble. Narain is too slow and soft...Joel outright not ready for college level. Nathan was player of the game.

[bagtec]

the talking hand gesture he made to queta after he got fouled and was on the line was pretty good

[tuff]

I have a question. What is the take on the other Mensah? Is he just too raw, or what?

[cmonaztecs]

Skinnier than Nathan, shoots impressive 3's during warmups, but I'd like to see the big guys practice more under the basket. If I had his size I'd be perfecting my inside game, like soft hook shots. Saw him in game action for the first time last night spelling Nathan, but he didn't take any 3's when he had the opportunity. My guess if Nathan keeps progressing, he'll just be his backup. Mobility is comparable to Nathan, so he's no McDaniels.

[tuff]

Feb 10, 2019 20:32:56 GMT -8 cmonaztecs said:

Skinnier than Nathan, shoots impressive 3's during warmups, but I'd like to see the big guys practice more under the basket. Saw him in game action for the first time last night spelling Nathan, but he didn't take any 3's when he had the opportunity. My guess if Nathan keeps progressing, he'll just be his backup. Mobility is comparable to Nathan, so he's no McDaniels.

Thanks. I really hope him and Chang progress.

[sdsuballer]

Feb 10, 2019 16:43:23 GMT -8 bagtec said:

the talking hand gesture he made to queta after he got fouled and was on the line was pretty good

I guess thats the international sign language to keep on talking trash and ill take it to you.. From what I have read Queta doesnt speak english and uses one of the players to translate for him. Nathan speaks english but not fluently. So the talking hand gesture was comical when I saw it. Queta looks like he is going to be a stud and Nathan isnt far behind him.

[jcljorgenson]

Feb 11, 2019 0:12:09 GMT -8 sdsuballer said:

Feb 10, 2019 16:43:23 GMT -8 bagtec said:

the talking hand gesture he made to queta after he got fouled and was on the line was pretty good

I guess thats the international sign language to keep on talking trash and ill take it to you.. From what I have read Queta doesnt speak english and uses one of the players to translate for him. Nathan speaks english but not fluently. So the talking hand gesture was comical when I saw it. Queta looks like he is going to be a stud and Nathan isnt far behind him.

Queta looked two or three inches taller than both Mensah and McDaniels, I don't know how he is not listed over 7 feet tall? Queta is ranked #10 in the nation for blocked shots per game and I thought SDSU was afraid to shoot the ball whenever he was nearby, Queta definitely has a defensive presence but his offense is very raw. He wasn't even close to making many five foot shots that should have been automatic. He has NBA caliber physical qualities, but I'm honestly surprised he is making 55% of his free throws.

FYI, I could see him speaking English during the game and here is a video of him being interviewed:

[legkick]

Queta's free throw form was Yinka Dare/Skyler Spencer bad.

[tonatiuh]

Mensah has looked good the past two games, and he is still a freshman! He has soitenly helped the Aztecs defensively & on the boards! Plus, last night even when CSU came back to take the lead the Aztecs did not fold, they just tightened their belts and fought back.

If, they continue this they may become tougher in the remaining road games coming up! I like what I see!

[longtimesdsufan]

Feb 11, 2019 11:10:13 GMT -8 jcljorgenson said:

[quote timestamp="1549872729" source="/post/1085661/thread" Queta looked two or three inches taller than both Mensah and McDaniels, I don't know how he is not listed over 7 feet tall?
FYI, I could see him speaking English during the game and here is a video of him being interviewed:

More likely inflated heights by our players.

For example, Malcolm Thomas was listed at 6'9", but measured as 6'7.5" at the NBA combine.

[survalli]

Feb 13, 2019 10:32:35 GMT -8 tonatiuh said:

Mensah has looked good the past two games, and he is still a freshman! He has soitenly helped the Aztecs defensively & on the boards! Plus, last night even when CSU came back to take the lead the Aztecs did not fold, they just tightened their belts and fought back.

If, they continue this they may become tougher in the remaining road games coming up! I like what I see!

who ever is working with our big men now, has been doing a terrific job in developing their skills. All three have been notably better. I agree with the other post, Mensah's height is probably overstated, he is probably 6'9

[standiego]

Getting some much needed points and rebounds from Nolan was also important last night . Believe Joel would prefer to play the 4 position , is not that physical to play the 5 . He still needs a lot of work .