Flags of their fathers (and mothers): They hail from around the world, but it’s Bronco red and white that brings them together.
Steven Boyd Saum
12 Dec 2010
Photos: Charles Barry
The parents of No. 22 Nate Mensah ’11, above left, emigrated from Ghana. In summer 2009 he traveled back to Ghana as part of an immersion trip with the Leavey School of Business. Students worked at a community library and spent time studying the business environment. And Nate reconnected with his father’s side of the family.
For No. 33 Phillip Bach ’13, above right, French was his first language. His second? Dutch. English is his third. Both of his parents attended the University of North Carolina, but the family was in Paris when Phillip was born the summer of 1990.
 No. 15 Marc Trasolini ’12 is Italian by way of Vancouver, British Columbia—where he was named Mr. Basketball in 2008. At 6-foot-9, he blocked 87 shots in his first two seasons at SCU. |
 No. 44 Yannick Atanga ’14 was born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and speaks French as his native language. While in high school in Ojai, Calif., he helped renovate an orphanage near Yaoundé. |
 No. 24 Julian Clarke ’14 calls Toronto, Canada, his home. He comes by basketball on both sides of the family: His father played basketball for Canada in the 1988 Olympics; and his mother, who was born in Serbia, helped Laurentian University in Ontario win a national title. |
 No. 31 Niyi Harrison ’13 now calls Milpitas home, but his mother grew up in Nigeria. The 6-foot-7 forward is studying business. |
 No. 10 Ben Dowdell ’11 is from North Nowra, Australia. The mechanical engineering major is the first Aussie to sign with the Broncos. Brother Jeff plays for Perth in Australia’s pro basketball league. |