Orange Meet the Media in Charlotte
10/19/2017 11:18:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Cooper, Hillsman, and Mangakahia represent Orange
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Head coach Quentin Hillsman and sophomore guards Gabby Cooper and Tiana Mangakahia of the Syracuse women's basketball team met with members of the local, regional, and national media at the 2017 Atlantic Coast Conference Media Day on Thursday morning.
"Over the past two years, we have been having to fill gaps," Hillsman said at the annual event's press conference. "As you go through those years and you are losing those players, you have to start getting players in spots where they can help you. I think we are very deep this year at the guard spot. I think we are going to have enough scoring and shooting at that position to play the way we want to play."
Cooper is the Orange's lone returning scorer. The Lansing, Ill. native set the program freshman single-season 3-point field goals made record (81) en route to ACC All-Freshman Team accolades.
"They (Alexis Peterson and Brittney Sykes) really showed how to lead by example," Cooper stated. "Following in their footsteps, playing with those two great players, who are just two amazing players, really helped my confidence. It helped me learn a lot last year."
Mangakahia is set to take over for Peterson at the point guard position. The Meadowbrook, Australia product was named the top junior college point guard by Dan Olson of espnW HoopGurlz. She led her home country to a third-place showing at the 2013 FIBA U19 World Cup.
"I haven't played Division I basketball, but I am confident in myself," Mangakahia added. "That's probably the biggest challenge. I am most excited to show everyone what I can do, as well as work with the team. We can all show everyone what we can do because we are all new. People do not really know us."
Syracuse opens the 2017-18 season on Friday, Nov. 10 against Morgan State. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. in the friendly confines of the Carrier Dome. The game will be broadcast on ACC Network Extra.
For the latest news on the Syracuse women's basketball program, follow /CuseWBB on Facebook, @CuseWBB on Instagram, and @CuseWBB on Twitter.
Be a part of the 2017-18 season, order season tickets today! $75 for general admission and $125 for courtside tickets. One can purchase tickets here.
"Over the past two years, we have been having to fill gaps," Hillsman said at the annual event's press conference. "As you go through those years and you are losing those players, you have to start getting players in spots where they can help you. I think we are very deep this year at the guard spot. I think we are going to have enough scoring and shooting at that position to play the way we want to play."
Cooper is the Orange's lone returning scorer. The Lansing, Ill. native set the program freshman single-season 3-point field goals made record (81) en route to ACC All-Freshman Team accolades.
"They (Alexis Peterson and Brittney Sykes) really showed how to lead by example," Cooper stated. "Following in their footsteps, playing with those two great players, who are just two amazing players, really helped my confidence. It helped me learn a lot last year."
Mangakahia is set to take over for Peterson at the point guard position. The Meadowbrook, Australia product was named the top junior college point guard by Dan Olson of espnW HoopGurlz. She led her home country to a third-place showing at the 2013 FIBA U19 World Cup.
"I haven't played Division I basketball, but I am confident in myself," Mangakahia added. "That's probably the biggest challenge. I am most excited to show everyone what I can do, as well as work with the team. We can all show everyone what we can do because we are all new. People do not really know us."
Syracuse opens the 2017-18 season on Friday, Nov. 10 against Morgan State. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. in the friendly confines of the Carrier Dome. The game will be broadcast on ACC Network Extra.
For the latest news on the Syracuse women's basketball program, follow /CuseWBB on Facebook, @CuseWBB on Instagram, and @CuseWBB on Twitter.
Be a part of the 2017-18 season, order season tickets today! $75 for general admission and $125 for courtside tickets. One can purchase tickets here.
Players Mentioned
G
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Women's BasketballPostgame Press Conference vs. Louisville - ACC 3rd Round
Saturday, March 07
Postgame Press Conference vs. Louisville - ACC 3rd Round
Friday, March 06
Highlights | Syracuse vs. Louisville
Friday, March 06
Postgame Press Conference vs. Cal - ACC 2nd Round
Thursday, March 05
