MAY 7 — Chupp Announces Signing of Nate Manning

Michigan star averaged 19.6 points, 5.5 rebounds as senior

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GOSHEN, Ind. – Making his first major splash into the recruiting pool since his arrival at Goshen College late last summer, men’s basketball head coach Gary Chupp has announced the signing of Thornapple Kellogg High School (Middleville, Mich.) star Nate Manning.

“We are very excited to have Nate join our basketball family,” said Chupp.  “He has a chance to be a very good player at our level and could make an immediate impact next year.”

The 6-foot, 4-inch combo-guard averaged 19.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists a game for the Trojans.  His 19.6 points led the conference and was one of the top three tallies in all of Western Michigan.

“What I like about Nate is his versatility – he has good size and length on the perimeter, can handle the ball well enough to run the point, he is a tremendous scorer with good range coming off the ball, but is also athletic enough to play the small forward for us,” explained Chupp.

Known for his extremely strong work ethic, Manning was named All OK-Gold All-Conference, All County, and All Area.  “When games finished, I can’t tell you how many times I would hear a ball bouncing as I was leaving at 11 p.m. and he would be in the gym by himself working out to get better,” said Trojan varsity boys’ head coach Lance Laker.

“Nate has a tremendous passion for the game of basketball,” added Chupp.  “He is someone that is only going to get batter and better.”

“I am so excited about the opportunity to continue my playing career at Goshen College,” said Manning.  “Not only is it an outstanding school academically, but the student, coaches, and players treat each other in a true family manner, which was something I was looking for in the school of my choice.”

Manning has built quite a reputation as both a player and as a person.  “As good as a player as he is, Nate is an even better person,” said Laker of Manning, who volunteers time at camps, special needs classrooms and his church. “Nate has been like a son to me and is someone I am proud to see move to the next level.  While I will miss him, I know his best days are ahead of him.”

Manning’s attention will now turn to his collegiate career where he will look to take the Maple Leafs to the next level in the talent-rich Mid-Central College Conference.  Manning will join a squad that graduated just one senior – although it was significant in second-leading scorer (16.6 ppg) Brice Hartman – and rattled off 19 wins in Chupp’s first season at the helm. 

The newest addition may be called upon to replace some of the scoring of Hartman as the Leafs look to reach the 20-win plateau for just the third time in program history.

“I cannot wait to suit up next year for a family that truly cares about the well-being of the players as students, athletes, and people,” added Manning.  “It is a great opportunity and I am humbled by the opportunity.”

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