NCAA Basketball: 15 underrated storylines to root for in 2020-21 season

Nathan Mensah – Comeback from pulmonary embolism

The 6’10 Ghana native started the thirteen games he played in during his sophomore season prior to logging just 14 minutes versus Poly Cal on Dec. 28, 2019. It would later be revealed that Mensah felt the need to sub himself out because unbeknownst to him, he had a blood clot in his lung.

Despite averaging around 20 minutes per game, Mensah was the San Diego State’s starting center and leading rebounder. Without Mensah, in the line-up Coach Brian Dutcher inserted 6’6 junior Matt Mitchell, who at 240 pounds was able to position himself to average just under five rebounds per game. Not only was it disappointing for Mensah to miss the Aztec’s historic season, but the condition itself traditionally takes months to be treated.

During these times any respiratory issue becomes more complicated and extra precautions must be made, but even as early as January The San Diego Union-Tribune was quoting Coach Dutcher

"“I think there’s an outside chance he could make it back to play at some point this season.”  “When that is, I don’t know. That will be on the advice and recommendation of the medical personnel looking after him.”"

With Mensah, NCAA fans have a choice, whether you want to cheer for him to get back to playing basketball, or you care about the big picture and you want him to be safe and healthy. There is a little bit of everything to cheer for.