Ex-Syracuse basketball star Tiana Mangakahia, 30, dies from cancer

Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Former Syracuse basketball star Tiana Mangakahia, who holds several program and ACC records, died after a battle with cancer, her family announced Friday. She was 30.

"We are heartbroken to share the passing of our beautiful Tiana Mangakahia," Mangakahia's family wrote on Instagram. "She left us on Thursday, surrounded by family, friends and lots of love.

"Tiana was a shining light who touched the lives of everyone she met with her kindness, strength, and warmth. She fought right till the very end, showing courage and grace beyond words.

"Though our hearts ache without her, her legacy and the love she gave will stay with us forever. We will continue to honor her in everything we do. We love you endlessly, Tiana, and will miss you always."

The family said details for Mangakahia's funeral will be announced later.

"Syracuse athletics mourns the passing of Tiana Mangakahia," Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack said. "Tiana defined courage, inspiration, and passion. An All-American on the basketball court she was an even better person off the court. She was kind, considerate, caring, and always uplifting even during the most challenging of times.

"We extend our thoughts and prayers to Tiana's family and friends. She will always be forever Orange."

Mangakahia, an Australia native, averaged 17.5 points, a national-best 9.8 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game over 31 appearances as a Syracuse sophomore in 2017-18.

She averaged 16.9 points, 8.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game as a junior. Mangakahia was diagnosed with Stage 2, Grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma -- breast cancer -- June 18, 2019. She sat out the entire 2019-20 season.

Syracuse said Mangakahia was declared cancer free on Nov. 6, 2019, after eight rounds of chemotherapy and a bilateral mastectomy. She returned to the court in 2020-21 and averaged 11.4 points, an ACC-best 7.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game for the Orange.

The two-time first-team All-ACC selection remains the conference's all-time leader in assists per game (8.7) and free throw percentage (.873). She also holds school records for assists and free throw percentage.

Mangakahia signed a training camp contract with the Phoenix Mercury after her collegiate career, but never appeared in a WNBA game. She played professionally in Russia, France and Australia before announcing in June 2023 that she was again diagnosed with breast cancer, forcing her into early retirement.

She lived with cancer for two years before coming out of retirement to join the Australia's Southern District Spartans. Mangakahia averaged 12.1 points and 3.6 assists per game that season.

Mangakahia also worked as an assistant coach for the Sydney Flames women's basketball team.

"Tiana wasn't just a player in our team," the Flames said Friday. "She inspired us with her fight, lifted us with her joy, and reminded us of what it means to live with courage and love."