Mangakahia returning to women’s basketball team for senior year

Syracuse women’s basketball guard Tiana Mangakahia will be returning to the team for her final year of eligibility. The junior guard had considered declaring for the 2019 WNBA Draft, and in a press conference on March 25 during the NCAA Women’s Tournament said she was still unsure of what she was going to decide.

“After a lot of consideration, I have decided to return for my senior season at Syracuse,” Mangakahia said. “Over the last two years my teammates and I have accomplished so much but I know we have only scratched the surface of our true potential. I hope to make this upcoming season my best yet and look forward to seeing our fans supporting us all across the country.”

This season, Mangakahia became the fastest player in program history to reach 1,000 points — doing so in only two seasons. In the final game of the post-season against South Dakota State, she became Syracuse’s all-time leader in assists with 591, surpassing former SU guard Alexis Peterson’s 590. In a Jan. 13 matchup against North Carolina, Mangakahia became the first player in program history to record a triple-double after tallying 34 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.

“I am extremely excited that Tiana is returning,” said head coach Quentin Hillsman. “The experience that we will have in our backcourt is exciting and promising for next year.”

Mangakahia led the team to a 25-9 season, including two victories in the ACC Women’s Tournament and a first-round win in the NCAA Tournament.

Syracuse will return four of its five starters, with the exception of forward Miranda Drummond.