Mbenga, who played for the Dallas Mavericks, the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Hornets, is hoping for a new era in the league for African players. “I want the experts to talk about Joel Embiid (of Philadelphia Sixers) as the best ‘Big Man in the league’ and ‘Best Defender’, I want him to dominate. I didn’t see the anger yet on his face,” he said. “Now is the best opportunity to show up for Africans and to show that Africa not only have talents but players who can make history also just like Hakeem, Mutombo or me. I want us to be more respected in the league as African players and they only way they will respect us it’s with the results. It’s time now for African players to step up and say that.”