During the pre-season of the 2019-20 season, Tiana Mangakahia of the Syracuse Women’s Basketball team was diagnosed with cancer. Tiana was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer. Since her diagnosis the question many fans and Tiana herself were asking, when would Tiana Mangakahia return to the court? Little did Tiana and fans would know that a little over a year later on November 29th, 2020; that she would make her return cancer-free. Tiana Mangakahia’s Return to the Court was a triumph for fans, family, friends across the world, and of course Tiana.
Her Career at Syracuse
Before joining Syracuse, Tiana Mangakahia attended Hutchinson Community College. She attended from 2015-2017 before transferring, she did not play any basketball games during her time there. Mangakahia joined the Orange in 2017 and has been making moves ever since. During her sophomore season at Cuse; she was named a Top 10 Finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Point Guard Award and was named to First-Team All-ACC.
She averaged 17.5 points, 9.8 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game. During her junior season, she was a Nancy Lieberman Point Guard Award Top-5 Finalist, All-ACC First, and Tournament team, as well as many other honors. During this time she averaged 16.9 points and 8.4 assists leading the team. Tiana, unfortunately, had to sit out her senior year. But as she said, “I will come out stronger” and that’s what she did. Now let’s look at Tiana Mangakahia’s Return to the Court.
Stronger than Before
On November 29th, 2020, Tiana finally made her anxiously anticipated return to the court. Syracuse faced Stoney Brook and Tiana was set to play her first game since her diagnosis. Syracuse got the victory with a score of 50-39 led by Tiana. Mangakahia scored 16 points, had 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block to defeat Stoney Brook. Tiana also helped Syracuse defeat Lincoln with 8 points, 2 steals, 8 assists, and 2 rebounds.
Tiana has already made an impact for her team in her short time back and it is great to see Tiana Mangakahia’s Return to the Court. She is expected to continue to have a great season. And help bring Syracuse to success and expected to be drafted in the WNBA in 2021.
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