Ghanaian basketball veteran Ben Bentil shocked African and European basketball fans by signing with the French giant ASVEL. This marks his third team of the 2024-2025 season, which may spark a debate about his career choices and the high-stakes world of European basketball.
Last Updated on
January 22, 2025
Although Ghana lacks an official senior men’s national basketball team, the country continues to produce standout basketball talent. Players like Amida Brimah, Nathan Mensah, and Josh Oduro, who currently plays in the G-League for the Birmingham Squadron, are proof of Ghana’s rising prominence in the sport. Leading this charge is Ben Bentil, who has now joined French basketball powerhouse ASVEL in the Euroleague.
Born in Takoradi, the bustling capital of Ghana’s Western Region, Bentil’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Drafted by the Boston Celtics as the 51st overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Bentil has built a stellar reputation across European basketball over his nine-year professional career. He’s represented prestigious Euroleague clubs like Panathinaïkos, Milan, and Red Star Belgrade, collecting accolades along the way, including two Greek Basketball League championships in 2020 and 2021.
Bentil’s move to ASVEL marks his third team this season, following stints with Hapoël Tel-Aviv and Napoli Basket. His time in Italy was particularly noteworthy, as he averaged 14.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists over 11 games and earned the Player of the Month Award in December.
ASVEL’s decision to sign Bentil stems from prolonged injuries to key players Mbaye Ndiaye and Charles Kahudi. Bentil’s physicality, scoring prowess, and veteran leadership are vital assets to bolster ASVEL’s lineup alongside Joffrey Lauvergne, Neal Sako, and Tarik Black.
