July 10, 2021 – Westfield, IN –
The 6-foot-4 shooting guard from Warsaw, Indiana got to live out his dream on July 7th, 2021, working out with the Indiana Pacers of the NBA. Kyle Mangas remembers growing up and attending Pacers games at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. To actually work out for the team was “awesome” said Mangas. Mangas has flown under NBA Scout radars due to his “playing level” as a player in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). Many players that come from the NAIA are expect to sign contracts in the NBA G League and work their way up. In this era, few NAIA players have to chance to actually hear their name called by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Mangas is not the only NBA Draft prospect in this year’s draft pool, as Shawnee State’s EJ Onu has also produced interest from NBA teams such as the Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers.
Mangas’ chances at being drafted by the Pacers are very slim as the Pacers are loaded with guards such as Malcolm Brogdon, Caris LeVert, and T.J. McConnell. EJ Onu could possibly steal the 2nd round pick from Mangas with his 7-foot-6 wingspan and shot blocking capabilities, which Indiana could take advantage of immediately as one of the worst defensive teams in NBA, allowing just around 116 points per game. Although Mangas might not have wingspan of a player like Onu, Mangas is a natural scorer. Mangas averaged 29.5 PPG last season, leading the IWU Wildcats to a 30-3 season. No matter what level of play, there is much need for attention to be placed towards Mangas as potential pro basketball prospect. There are not many college player that average his stat line (29.5 PPG, 1.9 SPG, 5.1 APG, and 7.4 RPG). Kyle Mangas is a 4x All-American, 2x NAIA National Player of the Year, Bevo Francis Award Winner, and a National Champion. Mangas is a pro-level basketball player and only time will tell which team he will end up playing for.
Mangas has deep roots in Indiana and has expressed his desire to continue to play for his home state. If his name is not called in the 2021 NBA Draft on July 29th, 2021, it could be possible that the Pacers look to offer him a spot on their G League affiliate team, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. He could receive a two-way contract offer, which is could what could come out of negotiation deals if even picked in the second round. Mangas has already received many looks from outside of the NBA from both semi-professional and professional organizations. It is obvious that Mangas sees himself in the NBA and would probably be willing to play in the G League if it meant a shot at making an NBA roster. As the draft nears closer, you can find all updates on Mangas’ and Onu’s chances at getting drafted on www.semiproandcollegesportsnetwork.com.
