​Revised: Celtics Give Chance To NAIA Star Who Reels in 41% From Three, Originating on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Among the most compelling stories on the Boston Celtics’ Summer League roster is Kyle Mangas. He might not have the strongest shot at cracking the NBA roster, but his journey is worth knowing. Mangas was included in the Celtics’ Summer League roster unveiled on Wednesday, and it’s understandable if many fans hadn’t heard of him before. Notably, he is the oldest player on the Summer League squad, having already turned 27. Mangas has previously appeared for the Lakers and Spurs in Summer League play, yet his path extends far beyond those stints.
Mangas is a 6-foot-4 guard who is recognized for his shooting ability. He spent last season in the G League with the Austin Spurs, where he connected on 41.1 percent of his three-pointers. He wasn’t merely a shooter, either, averaging 18.5 points per game overall. However, for him to secure a spot on an NBA roster, his outside shooting will be a critical factor.
What makes Mangas’ story particularly striking is that he didn’t play Division I college basketball, nor did he compete in the NCAA at all. Instead, he attended Indiana Wesleyan University, an NAIA program, where he posted remarkable numbers: 29.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.9 steals per game as a senior. From there, his journey continued overseas, with stints in the Czech Republic and Lithuania, before he finally earned a chance in the G League.
Although Mangas has yet to play in an NBA game, he remains determined to continue knocking on the door and pursuing his dream at the highest level. His road from NAIA standout to professional hoops in Europe and the G League exemplifies a different route to professional basketball and underscores how teams sometimes find value in players who aren’t traditional college stars. As the Celtics’ Summer League campaign unfolds, Mangas’ shooting prowess and perseverance will be closely watched by fans and scouts alike. In related Celtics news, a TD Garden fan guide offers practical tips for game day, and a complete look at the franchise’s championship history provides additional context for fans seeking a richer understanding of the team’s legacy.