WATCH TAB Courtside 1v1 on SBS - episode 4 - with Megan Hustwaite and Tiana Mangakahia from 7pm (AEDT) on Thursday, January 28 via , or catch up via , or at the top of this article.
Mangakahia, a star point guard with United States college basketball powerhouse Syracuse, had her world turned upside down in 2019 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer as her career was set to reach new heights.
In June 2019, the 24-year-old was named in the Australian Opals preliminary squad for the Tokyo Olympics on the back of a breakout college season, which had her considered as a potential WNBA draft pick.
However, only weeks later she was undergoing chemotherapy to treat an invasive ductal carcinoma after discovering a lump in her left breast.
The Brisbane native’s plans to dominate the college game for another season ahead of Olympic section and selection in the WNBA draft were thrown out the window as she traded the court for hospital wards and treatment rooms.
In the interview set to air on Thursday night’s episode of TAB Courtside 1v1 on SBS at 7pm (AEDT) via , Mangakahia revealed she struggled to tell her parents of her diagnosis.
“When the doctor told me I had breast cancer I was in such shock. I was so scared and I didn’t know what to think,” Mangakahia said.
“I was so worried about telling my parents because nobody wants to give their parents this news.
“I eventually called them later that night and I was so upset. I didn’t know what to do and it was such an emotional and scary time.
“They were very supportive and did everything to help calm me but they too were freaking out.”
Mangakahia underwent eight rounds of treatment, which culminated in a double mastectomy followed by reconstructive surgery.
She was given a clean bill of health in January 2020.
While the coronavirus pandemic put a stop to the 2020 NCAA season, it also forced the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics giving Mangakahia a chance for selection in the Opals team.
A return to the court with Syracuse late last year was a major step for the young point guard as she works her way back to the top of her game.
In the full interview with Courtside 1v1 host Hustwaite, Mangakahia reflects on her cancer journey, the importance of basketball in her life and how she is more determined than ever to achieve her dream of representing her country.
The interview is part of a new SBS series - TAB Courtside 1v1, which gives fans a chance to get to know more about the unique personalities from the NBA, WNBA, NBL and WNBL, which help shape basketball in Australia.
Hustwaite, who has been covering all levels of Australian basketball for the past 13 years as a reporter, commentator and journalist, will helm the weekly show - every Thursday at 7 pm (AEDT) via - where she interviews stars of the past, present and future.
SBS will again broadcast multiple regular-season NBA games per week in HD on SBS VICELAND and streamed live via SBS On Demand. Plus, every game of the upcoming 2020-21 NBL season will be LIVE, FREE and in HD via , with select games also live on SBS VICELAND.
