When good, quality basketball players leave a school to persue a professional career in the NBA and do not achieve it, people think they were just not good enough.  That’s not always the case.  There are situations collegiate basketball players are up against every year.  Player’s positions, height, motivation, strength, and personality are some of the things teams look for in the NBA draft, but ultimately, it is timing.  Three of our local heroes were caught up in the mix of many talented basketball players that are not in the NBA, but are making a good living playing the game they love, Shawnta Rogers (Baltimore), Michael King (Baltimore) and Pops Mensah-Bonsu - graduates from George Washington University.

             
  Rogers, King and Pops were in Baltimore recently participating in the 6^th Annual Kirk Lee Celebrity All-Star Basketball Game and put on a show. 

           
    Rogers is currently  playing guard for Agricola in Italy and is doing well.  “I’m loved over there,” said Rogers.  Rogers situation was his height, standing at his jersey number at GW, 5-4.  Rogers is a good floor general, good shooter, quick, fearless, intelligent, strong, and for his size, a great rebounder.  Rogers had a good shot at making the roster of the New Jersey Nets, but the team chose all-star Stephon Marbury, at the time.  Rogers had a short stint playing for the Baltimore BayRunners in the IBL (International Basketball League), but was courted nicely overseas and has been there ever since.  Rogers is averaging 14 points and 5 assists for his basketball career.  Rogers could still persuade the NBA, but it is a hassle.  “Man, I enjoy where I’m at, the people respect me and I’m able to take care of my family.  I’m satisfied,” said Rogers.

          
     For King, it is the same story.  King is incredibly talented, but the knock on him was his lack of hustle.  “If it comes (The NBA), it comes.  If not, so what,” said King.  “I did my part…I played in the D-League (The NBA Development League) for two-years.  One year, I averaged 18 points and the other year, I averaged 19 points,” stated King with a smile.  King played for the Fayetteville Patriots from ’04 to’06.  When asked if there was a workout recently or coming up, King said, “When some one is serious about making a deal, I will listen.  Other than that, I’m cool.”  King is currently playing in Greece and is doing well.

          
   With Pops on the other hand, the situation is different.  Pops was not drafted, but played with the Dallas Mavericks for a year.  Pops was released and is now playing overseas for Italian Serie A Team Benetion Treviso, with a possibility of rejoining the Mavericks.  “I worked out for the Mavs last week and it looks really good for me,” said Pops.  When asked if the Mavericks or a NBA team do not call, Pops replied, “There are other opportunities for me out there… I will be fine.”

         
      Rogers, King and Pops come to town when they can to visit family, friends and probably play a game or two.  Rogers, King and Pops can play in the NBA and if an team does not call their names, at least they can still make a living playing basketball, doing what they love.  Who would not trade with them?   

Written By Barry Barnes