Kyle Mangas

Wheat Hotchkiss

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Pacers announced on Tuesday the team signed guards Kyle Mangas and Darius McGhee, and forward Reid Travis.

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Indiana Pacers Announce Roster Moves

The phrase "We Grow Basketball Here" applies to all levels of Indiana basketball, as evidenced by Monday's Pacers pre-draft workout. Three of the five prospects who auditioned for the Pacers at the Ascension St. Vincent Center were native Hoosiers who starred at in-state colleges.

When it comes to college basketball, most of the attention within the state is focused on the power-conference quarter of Indiana, Purdue, Butler, and Notre Dame. But there is plenty of talent at other schools. IUPUI's Marcus Burk was the seventh-leading scorer in NCAA Division I last season. Meanwhile, Indiana Wesleyan's Kyle Mangas and Bethel's TreVion Crews were All-Americans at the NAIA level for multiple seasons.

All three of those players had the chance to work out for the Pacers on Monday.

"Having the hometown team call my agent and have me come work out means everything," Burk said. "Growing up, coming to Pacers games, watching all the guys, it's just a dream I've had since I was little."

It was actually the second workout for Mangas, a two-time NAIA National Player of the Year. He first worked out with the Blue & Gold on July 7, then returned on Monday when the Pacers needed another guard to fill an open spot in the workout group. This time, he was joined by some familiar faces.

"We had three Indiana guys in here today and two were small college players, me and TreVion, from the same conference," Mangas said. "It's just awesome. Basketball in this state, I think it's just different. People are really passionate about it. I just think it's awesome the Pacers want to bring in guys from their own state. I just think that's really cool."

Burk, a 6-3 guard, helped lead Franklin Central to four straight sectional titles before starting his college career at Campbell. He was the Fighting Camels' second-leading scorer at 14.8 points per game and shot 40.3 percent from 3-point range as a sophomore, but elected to move closer to home, transferring to IUPUI.

After sitting out a season, Burk starred for the Jaguars over the last two years, averaging 21.3 points as a junior and 21.7 points per game as a senior. He surpassed 1,000 points at IUPUI in just his 47th game at the school and finished his collegiate career with a 3-point percentage just under 40 percent (.398).

While Burk was one of the best scorers in all of college basketball last season, he said that doesn't have to be his role at the next level. In fact, he said he only took on that lead guard role in college out of necessity.

"I take pride in it, but I don't even really like scoring that much," he said Monday. "I'd rather just have my teammates get involved and play the game the right way. They just had to look to me because I was one of the main options."

Burk sees himself being a combo guard in a "3-and-D" role at the next level. He has been working out in Westfield over the past few months, focusing on strengthening his hips and boosting his lateral quickness in preparation for guarding bigger, quicker guards in the NBA. His shooting should provide him with plenty of professional opportunities, but being able to defend at a high level will be necessary if he wants to land an NBA roster spot.

Realistically, Burk likely will not hear his name called in the NBA Draft on Thursday night. But he should have offers to play for a team in Summer League in August and with a strong showing there, could parlay that into a training camp invite or a two-way contract.

It's an uphill climb, for sure, but Burk is used to being underestimated.

"I do feel like I'm an underdog," he said Monday. "Coming out of high school, I only had one D1 offer and it was Campbell. I've made it this far. That just continues to push me to work even harder to try to be the best I can be, to see how far I can take my ability."

To date, only one player from IUPUI has made it to the NBA, former Pacer George Hill. Burk said he speaks to Hill occasionally, one of a number of NBA players who have helped advise him as he goes through the pre-draft process. He also has spoken with his former Campbell teammate Chris Clemons, who played last season with the Rockets, as well as Indiana natives and recent draft picks Desmond Bane with the Memphis Grizzlies and Kyle Guy with the Sacramento Kings.

Monday's workout was the last for Burk, who will now set up at home and wait to see how the next week unfolds before officially embarking on the start of his professional career.

While Burk feels overlooked, Mangas and Crews may well have been invisible to most fans, but that doesn't mean they didn't have decorated college careers. Mangas' achievements are longer than a CVS receipt, with a few of the highlights for the Warsaw native including winning a national championship as a freshman, amassing 3,453 career points, and earning All-American honors all four seasons at Indiana Wesleyan.

For the past few seasons, Crews has been one of Mangas' biggest rivals. The 6-foot guard from Fort Wayne played three seasons at Bethel after starting his career at Jackson Community College in Michigan and racked up a number of accolades himself. He finished with 2,223 career points in just three years and was a two-time first-team All-American. As a senior, Crews averaged 24.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.1 steals, the only player at any level of college basketball to average at least 22 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals.

"I would say my game is very Chris Paul-ish," Crews said. "I use the pick-and-roll a lot, transition threes a lot, and I get my guys involved a lot. I'm not selfish with the basketball. I also rebound a lot and I play some good defense. I'd say I can do a little bit of everything."

Crews and Mangas met three times as seniors in the Crossroads League, producing some memorable duels.

Indiana Wesleyan prevailed, 95-92, in the first matchup at Bethel on Nov. 25, despite Crews' 30-point, six-rebound, four-assist, and five-steal performance (Mangas had 27 points and eight boards in the victory). The Wildcats then won by 20 at home on Feb. 13, with Mangas dropping 37 points, five boards, four assists, and four steals (Crews scored 31 in the loss).

But Crews and Bethel got the last laugh in the NAIA Tournament, upsetting top-seeded Indiana Wesleyan in the Round of 16. Crews had 29 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and two steals to lead the Pilots to an 83-77 victory, while Mangas' college career came to an end with a 22-point, eight-rebound, six-assist performance.

Now, the two rivals have been teaming up. They share an agent and have worked out together a lot over the past few months. Monday was the fourth pre-draft workout for Mangas, who also visited Cleveland and Detroit in addition to his previous workout with the Pacers. It was the first workout for Crews, however.

"I was nervous a little bit going into the workout, but I talked to my agent a lot about it," Crews said. "He just told me to be who I am and just come out and play hard."

Both Mangas and Crews face even steeper uphill climbs than Burk when it comes to making an NBA roster. Earning an invite to play on a Summer League team would be a success for either prospect, though at the very least they both should have considerable opportunities to play professionally somewhere, likely overseas.

And for now, having the opportunity to compete against more well-known players from bigger schools has allowed them to see where they measure up.

"It's been fun," Crews said. "I actually play semipro back at home, so I play against a lot of semipros and ex-D1 players. It's fun competing against people that are at a high level and (showing) that I can play at that high level."

San Diego State teammates Matt Mitchell (left) and Jordan Schakel (right) were reunited at Monday's pre-draft workout in Indiana. (Photo Credit: NBAE/Getty Images)

The other two players at Monday's workout (Maryland's Aaron Wiggins did not participate due to illness) were very familiar with one another. Not only did Matt Mitchell and Jordan Schakel play together for four years at San Diego State, they usually guarded each other in practice.

On Monday, they found themselves matched up once again.

"It's always great seeing Jordan," Mitchell said. "We were together four years. I'm sure he doesn't really enjoy guarding me now that we're all graduated and done. But it was a pleasure to see him back on the court and be able to chop it up on the road."

The two former teammates are now both making their case to potentially be selected in the second round of the draft. Mitchell, the Mountain West Player of the Year for 2020-21, has the more all-around game. The 6-6 forward averaged 15.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.4 steals as a senior.

Mitchell said his pitch to teams revolves around his versatility and his ability to contribute in a variety of ways.

"I'm going to be that guy that's diving for loose balls on the defensive end, diving for loose balls on the offensive end, chasing offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds, guarding different guys, switching onto guys," he said. "Being able to step out and make the open shot as well as put my shoulder into a guy and take him to the rim.

"I think I can really be a utility guy coming off the bench and really just be a spark."

Mitchell's career really blossomed after he committed to reforming his diet. He lost over 20 pounds thanks to a focus on healthy living, keeping a strong frame (he measured at 239 pounds at the combine) but slimming down enough to gain extra quickness and agility.

"I think I kind of came into my own on the collegiate level, was able to muster a lot more confidence after I lost the weight," Mitchell said.

Mitchell quipped that he hoped that decision would "get me a lot of money hopefully" and then explained that making it to the NBA was a key factor in changing his lifestyle.

"This is my dream," he said. "This is what I've always wanted to do. Nothing was going to stop me."

While Mitchell possesses a versatile skillset, Schakel is more of a specialist. The 6-6 wing was an elite 3-point shooter over his time in college. He shot 42.7 percent from beyond the arc over his four-year career and, most impressively, he improved his 3-point percentage every season despite taking a higher volume of shots.

As a senior, Schakel averaged 14.4 points and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 46.1 percent from 3-point range over six long-range attempts per game.

"I think it's just a product of how much work I put in," Schakel said of his shooting prowess. "I don't really think about it during a game. You can't really think about your percentages like that."

Shooting will be Schakel's ticket to the NBA, but he also stressed his winning mentality on Monday. He said he grew from a foul-prone, below-average defender as a freshman to a stronger player capable of holding his own over the course of his career at San Diego State, one example of his strong work ethic.

"Playing hard is a skill and I do it all the time," Schakel said. "Just diving on loose balls, playing hard on defense, making the little plays. Just making the open shots, it doesn't have to be necessarily threes, but open shots. I know every team has a guy that can create for others and they need guys that can knock down shots and I can do that."

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In-State Trio Show There's Elite Talent at All Levels

There's something familiar yet different about the pre-draft process for Ayo Dosunmu.

The Illinois All-American guard declared for the NBA Draft in 2020 after a standout sophomore season. COVID-19 altered the pre-draft setup a year ago, but prospects were able to meet with teams via Zoom. During those discussions, NBA scouts gave Dosunmu an honest assessment of his draft stock and told him where he needed to improve.

Dosunmu ultimately decided to withdraw from the draft and return to Illinois for his junior year, where he excelled on the court while leading the Illini to their best season in 15 years.

The 6-5 guard averaged 20.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.1 steals in 2020-21, earning numerous accolades, including first-team All-Big Ten and consensus first-team All-American honors and the Bob Cousy Award given to the best point guard in college basketball. He was the only player in the NCAA over the last 11 seasons to average 20 points, six rebounds, and five assists for a season and recorded two triple-doubles in February to join Magic Johnson as the only two players in Big Ten history to have multiple triple-doubles in conference games.

Scouts wanted to see more from Dosunmu, so he simply went out and had one of the best seasons in all of college basketball.

"I took constructive criticism and it helped me become a better player and a better person," he said. "Being able to find out where I'm not good at the time and to go into the lab and get better, I definitely applaud myself for that and the people around me for helping me make the best decision."

This year, Dosunmu is in the draft for good. His stock has risen significantly over the past season. While he might well have gone undrafted a year ago, he now has a strong chance of hearing his name called in the first round.

The pre-draft process has also returned to a more "normal" schedule this year, as teams can once again conduct workouts and interview prospects in person. Thus, Dosunmu was at the Ascension St. Vincent Center on Wednesday auditioning for the Pacers.

Dosunmu tested well at the NBA Draft Combine last month, where he measured at 6-5 and 194 pounds with just 4.9 percent body fat and a wingspan of over 6-10. He also had a 39-inch vertical, fifth best among the guards at the combine. The Chicago native said a lot of his focus over the past year was improving his strength and explosiveness to better prepare himself for the next level.

He thrived in college with the ball in his hands, converting 48.8 percent of his attempts and using a combination of his skill off the dribble and his strong frame to get into the lane and convert shots. Dosumnu improved his scoring average by 3.5 points per game as a junior, but his most noticeable growth was as a creator (increasing his assists from 3.3 as a sophomore to 5.3) and a shooter (improving his 3-point percentage from .296 to .390).

Dosunmu said that while he is "having fun" with the pre-draft process, he is also treating each stop like a job interview. He then outlined why he thinks a team should draft him.

"I'm proven of what I can do now, but I still have more potential to tap into," he said. "I'm 6-5, I can playmake, I can guard multiple positions. The NBA right now is really starting to become positionless basketball. You have so many ballhandlers out there at one time. At my size, I can guard the one, the two, or maybe even the three depending on how small the team is.

"And I also can make plays. I can isolate. The NBA is a lot of isolation and pick-and-rolls, a lot of late-shot clock situations. I thrive in those situations. So just being able to beat my man off the dribble and just go out there and playmake, I think that's my pitch to NBA teams."

Kentucky's Isaiah Jackson (left) and Villanova's Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (right) each have skillsets that could entice a team to select them in the first round. (Photo Credit: NBAE/Getty Images)

While Dosunmu might be the most familiar name to Pacers fans from his days dominating the Big Ten, two other prospects at Wednesday's workout were also potential first-round picks. In fact, The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor's latest rankings list Dosunmu as the 25th-best prospect in this year's draft class. The two players ranked 24th and 26th are Kentucky's Isaiah Jackson and Villanova's Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, a pair of big men who also worked out in Indiana on Wednesday.

The 6-10 Jackson turned pro after one season at Kentucky where he averaged 8.4 points on 54 percent shooting and 6.6 rebounds in 25 games. But the Michigan native's most obvious skill is his ability to block shots.

Jackson averaged 2.6 blocks per game despite playing just 20.7 minutes per night and had some of his best defensive performances against the toughest competition. The freshman swatted eight shots against Kansas in the Champions Classic in just his third collegiate game. He also had seven blocks in 23 minutes against eventual SEC champions Alabama on Jan. 23.

Though he still needs to refine some areas of his game, including his penchant for getting into foul trouble (he fouled out of six contests last season), Jackson has the tools to be a high-energy big man. He lists Kevin Garnett as his biggest inspiration and hopes to bring a similar fire every time he takes the court.

"Shotblocking, bringing that energy, getting tip dunks, hustle plays," Jackson said of how he envisions himself contributing.

To stick in the modern NBA, Jackson will also need to expand his shooting range. He attempted just two 3-pointers at Kentucky, but hopes to show teams that he is confident in his stroke during the pre-draft process.

Kentucky has produced countless draft picks in the John Calipari era. Jackson believes he is well equipped to follow in their footsteps after a year in Lexington.

"It taught me a lot of things (like) playing tough because every game we play is like the other team's championship," he said. "So bringing it all every game and just playing with fire."

Robinson-Earl was the Big East Freshman of the Year in 2019-20, when he averaged 10.5 points on 45.4 percent shooting, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. He took on a larger role last season as a sophomore and was named co-Big East Player of the Year following a campaign where he averaged a team-high 15.7 points on 49.7 percent shooting, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.

The 6-9, 242-pound forward's most notable attribute is his versatility on both ends of the floor. A strong defender capable of banging with bigger bodies in the post or switching onto smaller guards, Robinson-Earl also has comfort on the offensive end playing in the post or on the perimeter. He attempted nearly 150 3-pointers during his two seasons at Villanova and also possesses good passing skills for a player of his size.

Robinson-Earl is the latest player to come out of a Villanova program that has produced five first-round picks over the past four seasons, all of whom spent multiple years on campus learning from acclaimed coach Jay Wright.

"I think he's done a great job teaching me all the details, just how to be a professional on and off the court," Robinson-Earl said of Wright's influence. "Just being prepared for the most difficult situations (for) when I'm (in that) position in my future career."

As for what he can bring to an NBA team, Robinson-Earl highlighted his all-around skillset and his work ethic.

"I take a lot of pride in defense and rebounding," he said. "So being able to be out there to guard pick-and-roll, one through five. Being able to stretch the floor, be versatile on the offensive end. Being the ultimate team player and I love to win so just bringing a winning mindset."

Indiana Wesleyan Star Works Out for Home Team

Growing up in Warsaw, Ind., Kyle Mangas dreamed of one day having the chance to put on a Pacer uniform. That dream became a temporary reality on Wednesday, when the 6-4 guard from Indiana Wesleyan took the floor at the Ascension St. Vincent Center.

"It means everything," Mangas said. "Growing up watching the Pacers and coming down to games at Bankers Life is one thing. But then actually being here and getting to work out for them and see the coaching staff and the facilities...being from Indiana, we're really passionate about basketball, so it was awesome."

Mangas may have spent four years playing at the NAIA level, but he is one of the most decorated players in college basketball. He was an All-American as a freshman at Indiana Wesleyan, when he averaged 21.5 points per game and led the Wildcats to a 2018 national championship. Mangas only got better from there, increasing his scoring and assists averages every season.

He was the NAIA National Player of the Year as both a junior and senior. He amassed an absurd 3,453 career points, shattering the school record. His senior season, Mangas averaged 29.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists while shooting 60.3 percent from the field and 39 percent from 3-point range.

"There were a lot of championships and awards and that type of thing," Mangas said of his accomplished collegiate career. "But just the relationships I built with my coaches and teammates and people at the school, Indiana Wesleyan's a really special place and I'm proud to have gone there."

While he could have potentially transferred to an NCAA program, Mangas stayed four years at Indiana Wesleyan and flourished. But on Wednesday, he finally had the chance to prove that even though he played in the NAIA, he can compete with NBA-caliber talent. For most of Wednesday's workout he was matched up with Dosunmu, one of the most decorated players in Division I and a possible first-round draft pick.

"It was awesome," Mangas said. "You know we don't get the national spotlight at IWU even though it's some really good basketball. It was just fun coming in today and competing against those guys, but also having those guys on my team. It was just awesome to get the opportunity."

Mangas recently signed on to play for Men of Mackey in The Basketball Tournament, the annual single-elimination competition with a $1 million prize that draws a number of former college standouts each year. Men of Mackey is a team of primarily Purdue alumni, including Robbie Hummel, Isaac Haas, and A.J. Hammons, but they recruited Mangas to add some additional in-state talent.

As for his professional goals, Mangas will be able to make a good living playing somewhere, whether that's overseas or potentially in the G League. Or just maybe, Wednesday's workout could be the start of an eventual NBA career.

"I want to play at the highest level that I can," Mangas said. "And just prove to us that small college kids can make it, they have skill, they have talent, too. Because often times they get overlooked."

Boise State's Derrick Alston Jr. (left) and Austin Peay's Terry Taylor (right) are both turning pro after successful college careers. (Photo Credit: NBAE/Getty Images)

Athletic Wings Alston Jr. and Taylor Also Audition in Indiana

The final two prospects at Wednesday's workout were Boise State's Derrick Alston Jr. and Austin Peay's Terry Taylor. Though they may not be household names to many Pacers fans, both had accomplished college careers.

The 6-5, 230-pound Taylor was a two-time Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year and finished his career as Austin Peay's all-time leading scorer with 2,488 points. The lefty scored over 20 points per game in each of his final three seasons, including 21.6 points per game as a senior.

Despite his modest height, Taylor was arguably the best rebounder in college basketball last season. He collected 11.1 rebounds per game and led the entire NCAA with 20 double-doubles.

Taylor credited his coaching staff with helping him improve as a rebounder after hammering home his freshman year that he should always go to the opposite side of the rim than where the ball is shot. That positioning adjustment combined with his motor allowed him to excel on the glass.

"Overall it's just wanting it more, having the heart to just go in there and rebound with the big trees," Taylor said.

Alston, meanwhile, initially walked on at Boise State and scored a total of just seven points over 11 appearances as a redshirt freshman in 2017-18. But he moved into the rotation the next year, averaging 13.4 points per game and led the Broncos in scoring each of the past two seasons.

The 6-9, 190-pound forward averaged 17 points and 3.7 rebounds as a senior while shooting 38.2 percent from 3-point range on over six attempts per game.

"I think my shooting ability is something that can translate right away," Alston said. "I think my length and athleticism will definitely help me stand out on the defensive end and also on the glass."

While he is still lanky, Alston has bulked up considerably over the past few years. He entered college at just 148 pounds, but has steadily added to his frame, something that he will need to continue to do to make it at the next level.

Alston does have a good mentor during the pre-draft process. His father was drafted by the 76ers in the second round in 1994 and enjoyed a lengthy professional career in the NBA and overseas. After retiring in 2012, the elder Derrick Alston served as an assistant both with the Houston Rockets and in the G League and is currently the head coach of the Westchester Knicks, New York's G League affiliate.

"He's been great for me, just giving me a little insight to how this process is," Alston Jr. said of his father's advice. "But he's just been telling me to be myself and just have fun and not put too much pressure on myself. Obviously you're kind of in the fight for your life right now, but at the end of the day it's still basketball."

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Height: 6-4
Weight: 200
Position: SG
College: Indiana Wesleyan
Age: 22

2020-2021 Season Stats
PPG: 29.5
RPG: 7.4
APG: 5.1
BLK: 0.8
STL: 1.9

Player BioCourtesy of Indiana Wesleyan Athletics

QUICK FACTS
6'4” Senior Guard...3x NAIA 1st Team All American, 3x Crossroads League Player of the Year, 2019 and 2020 Crossroads League Athlete of the Year, 2020 Bevo Francis Award Winner, 2020 NAIA National Player of the Year and 2018 NAIA National Tournament Most Outstanding Player...Averaged 26.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game as a junior...Has scored 2,479 points in his 3 years at IWU, making him the program’s All-Time Leading Scorer...Career high 40 points in top 10 matchup against Saint Francis his freshman year...2017 Indiana All-Star...1450 career points at Warsaw High School for Coach Doug Ogle...Averaged 22.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists as a senior...Went 61-17 as a three year starter, including three straight Northern Lakes Conference titles, and appearances in the Elite 8 (Senior Year) and Final 4 (Junior Year) of the IHSAA 4A State Tournament...4.0 GPA

IN HIS OWN WORDS...Why IWU...
"I chose IWU because I knew it would be a place where I could grow spiritually, academically, and athletically. I really connected with the coaches and players and realized that it would be a great fit."

IAm3 is...
"IAm3 is a mentality to put God first in everything you do, to serve others second, and to concentrate on yourself third. It is all about living life in humility."

Fearless is...
"Being fearless is about not being afraid to fail. Whatever you do, be confident and do not let the fear of making a mistake hold you back from achieving great things."

The IWU coaching staff is...
"The coaching staff is one of a kind. They are fantastic leaders, extremely encouraging and great role models. Living the IAm3 lifestyle daily and being a man to their wife and kids, they are people who set a powerful example to us."

Kyle Mangas

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