Former Bulldog Sam Manu selected No. 1 in Taiwan Professional Basketball League draft

SAN MATEO - A former College of San Mateo basketball standout is taking his talents back home to play professionally.

Sam Manu, a first-team All-Coast Conference North Division selection for the Bulldogs during the 2021-22 season, was recently the No. 1 pick in the 2024 Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL) Draft. Manu is headed back to his home country to play for the Taipei Taishin Mars in Taipei City.

Despite only playing one season for the Bulldogs, Manu left a huge impression on the program and head coach Mike Marcial.

"Sam has such a great work ethic and was extremely coachable during his time at CSM," Marcial said. "Sam's energy, high character and relentless mentality to do his best helped lead the 2021-22 team to a 20-win season and a CCCAA NorCal playoff berth.

"I can say a lot of great things about Sam's ability to play basketball at high level, but his infectious, caring personality, is what makes him truly special," he continued. "Sam wanted to see others around him succeed and genuinely cared about his teammates as people. I am excited and thrilled Sam has the opportunity to continue playing a game he loves as a professional."

After averaging 15.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game for CSM his sophomore season, Manu transferred to NCAA Division I UC Davis to close out his collegiate career.  

Manu grew up in Taiwan and moved to the United States in 2017. His father Rex, another former Bulldog player and coach, also played professionally in Taiwan from 1992-99.

(Chris Ruiz, CSM Athletics)