Hornets Believe: Smith, Mensah-Bonsu Visit Senior Holiday Luncheon
By: Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets.com
December 14, 2010
The grandmother of New Orleans forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu recently passed away, so when the 27-year-old stopped by Tuesday’s Hornets senior luncheon, it reminded him of family. As Mensah-Bonsu was telling a TV reporter about the passing, New Orleans resident Gloria Oliver, 68, offered to be his Louisiana grandmother, while hugging the 6-foot-9 player.
“Of course I’m going to hug him – he’s a very handsome young man,” a smiling Oliver later told a few nearby media members. “When I came here earlier today, I had no idea I was going to gain a famous grandson.”
Oliver was among the 1,000-plus local seniors who attended the annual holiday event, held at the Alario Center in Westwego. In an adjacent gymnasium not far from where Oliver and her friends sat down to enjoy lunch courtesy of the Hornets, Mensah-Bonsu and Jason Smith practiced their shooting. The pair of reserve frontcourt players had come to the Hornets’ practice facility to hone their games on a rare off day, with the team having no game or practice scheduled. Following their workout, Mensah-Bonsu and Smith walked over to greet seniors, sign autographs and get their photos taken with the guests.
After Oliver volunteered to be his local grandmother, if Mensah-Bonsu had been looking for someone else to be his new great-grandmother, there would’ve been no shortage of candidates – including a woman who made the trip to the Alario Center at the tender age of 105.
In addition to Mensah-Bonsu and Smith, Hornets general manager Dell Demps and head coach Monty Williams also visited the luncheon and mingled with guests.
“I know there has been a lot said lately about whether the team is staying or leaving,” Demps said to the group of over 1,000. “My family and I, we love it here. We are excited to be in New Orleans.”
Williams said he appreciates what the seniors have done for the community and stressed that the Hornets realize they are a representation of New Orleans. He also alluded to the collective wisdom of the event’s guests.
“I know I could learn a lot from all of you, especially during a losing streak,” Williams said. “This is your team. We are playing for you.”
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