The 25-year-old Londoner attracted attention following his spell at the Austin Toros, the Spurs NBA D-League affiliate, where in eight games he averaged 26.6 points and 13.0 rebounds.

 

He had previously played in the NBA for the Dallas Mavericks and also had spells in the Italian and Spanish Leagues.

 

Mensah-Bonsu said: “I felt confident that the way I was playing in the D league I had confidence I would be with an NBA team soon.

 

“I’m excited to be in an NBA organisation with such class and history. 

 

"I will hopefully have the chance to stay and represent my country.

 

“It’s also kind of exciting and ironic as I grew up a Spurs [Tottenham Hotspur] fan and now I’m going to be a Spur. 

 

"Hopefully I will continue to be a Spur and maybe return to play for Tottenham Hotspur as well."

 

Britain's head coach Chris Finch added: “I’m really happy and excited for Pops, his determination to create this opportunity for himself is nothing short of amazing. 

 

"We wish him all the best and we all hope he will be able to turn this into a long-term NBA career. 

 

"He certainly has it within him.”

 

Mensah-Bonsu’s return to the NBA means that Britain now have three internationals in the league alongisde Luol Deng and Ben Gordon, who play for the Chicago Bulls.

 

Mensah-Bonsu believes that is something that will only strengthen their position come the European Championships in Poland later this year.

 

He said: “We are a pretty talented group. 

 

"We want to gain respect from the rest of the countries and then see where we can take it.

 

“Playing for GB is the high of my priority list. 

 

"Last year was the first chance to play. 

 

"I have always wanted to be first onboard. 

 

"Now with us going to the EuroBasket finals I’m not going to let anything get in the way. 

 

"I’m sure whatever team I’m with I will be able to get to Poland and represent my country.”