Syracuse senior, WNBA prospect Tiana Mangakahia has breast cancer
Syracuse senior Tiana Mangakahia announced on Monday that she has breast cancer.
The 24-year-old basketball player announced the news in a statement released on Syracuse’s website Monday:
“Just over a month ago, I found a lump on my left breast so I went to the health center and got it checked out. Throughout the following weeks, things have progressed quickly. I've undergone various tests and got a biopsy on Friday, June 14.
On Tuesday, June 18, I got the results back and it was a day I will never forget.
On this day, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer (Grade 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma). As of right now I am starting chemotherapy on Friday and will have to undergo surgery after treatment.”
Mangakahia opted not to declare for WNBA
A two-time All-ACC player, Mangakahia averaged 16.9 points and 8.4 assists last season as Syracuse finished 25-9 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament.
A WNBA prospect, Mangakahia opted to return to the Orange rather than declare for the draft this season.
Syracuse coach Quentin Hillsman delivered a message of support on Twitter on Monday.
#Tough4T pic.twitter.com/PISJcqlbGe
— Quentin Hillsman (@CoachQatSU) July 1, 2019
“I know this will be tough, but I will get through it,” Mangakahia wrote in her statement. “This is just the beginning for me and I will come out stronger. I have much more to accomplish and I hope to inspire others to overcome their own adversity just like I know I will.”
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