Spotlight on Cornell Recruit Manny Sahota

Manny Sahota is a 6'6" wing forward from St. Marguerite d’Youville Secondary School in Brampton, Ontario. He committed to Cornell during July shortly after receiving an offer from the program at the Big Red's Elite Prospect Camp.

Currently enrolled for a 5th year at d'Youville, Sahota was selected to the Peel Secondary School Athletic Association (ROPSSAA) senior boys’ all-star basketball game during April 2009 and was invited to the All Canada Camp during July.

After announcing his commitment, Sahota told HoopStarsCanada.com, “I decided to go to Cornell because I wanted to attend a school that has a high class educational system and also offers a reputable basketball program...Cornell seemed to be the perfect combination. Also, when I visited I felt like I would fit right into their program and the campus was amazing as well. [Head coach Steve] Donahue, [assistant coach Nat] Graham, and the rest of the coaching staff were really welcoming. They do a great job getting their guys in game shape and developing their game. I'm really excited to be a part of the program.”

Sahota has played for some of the better basketball programs in North America.

His school, St. Marguerite d’Youville had five former students at elite U.S. prep schools last year, including highly-ranked 6’9” forward Tristan Thompson (Findlay). Others include Kofi Mensa (Mountain State), Jabs Newby (Mountain State), Kiefer Douse (Christian Life Center Academy), and RJ Stephens (Proctor). Despite their departures, Sahota helped lead d’Youville to a Peel Region championship and a quarterfinal appearance at the AAAA provincial championships.

“He has great work ethic, character and leadership abilities,” said d’Youville head coach Carlo Zoffranieri. “He was d'Youville's Athlete of the Year and he won the science award at this year's graduation. He will be looking to study life sciences or architecture at Cornell in 2010.” Team Takeover/CIA Bounce AAU Coach Tony McIntyre said, “Manny has worked hard to expand his game from the inside-out, and should do well at Cornell. Manny is a really solid player. He is also very serious about his school, just like he is about basketball, so Cornell is a good choice for him.”

AAU teammates of Sahota's are headed to programs such as Flordia, Iowa State and Eastern Kentucky.