Excerpt from the Dayton Daily News
If Wright State’s front line wasn’t ravaged by injuries, James Manns probably would spend this season just like the previous one — cheering for the team from a sideline seat and performing mop-up duty in games that were already decided.
But the Raiders’ have had to do without Loudon Love (elbow) and Aleksandar Dozic (back), which has elevated redshirt freshman Grant Basile into the starting lineup and Manns into a pivotal role for the first time.
The 6-foot-7 third-year sophomore popped off the bench at 13:36 of the first half against Indiana State on Saturday and was the best player on the floor over the next five minutes. He hit a pair of 3-pointers in a 10-point, three-rebound flurry and received a rousing ovation from the 3,509 fans along with warm embraces from teammates after being replaced.
“It made me feel good,” he said of the enthusiastic response. “They knew I could do it, and I just had to believe in myself.”
Though the Raiders were dealt an 84-77 overtime loss, Manns had 13 points, making 3 of 4 three-pointers, with four rebounds in 12 minutes.
His previous career highs were eight points and three boards.
“James, the last two years, has been the scout team’s best player, their shooter,” Basile said. “And now that he’s stepped into a little bigger role, he’s really played well offensively, and it isn’t a surprise to any of us.”
