Prospect Profile: Noah Mamann (2020)
South Florida…
Everywhere you turn there is talent. There are seemingly prep schools on every street corner shelling out the next great prospect to college. Quite frankly, the state is a factory for future college stars.
Digging a little deeper, it is easy to overlook some kids who have the same exact dreams. Dreams that can be overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of ESPN showcases or a recruiting tournament.
Yet, when it comes down to it, the love for the game is all the same whether you are a 5-star superstar or a kid scratching his way to stardom using every ounce of desire you have. In a way, those kids make up the backbone of why basketball is so great.
A good example of that is Noah Mamann out of Katz Yeshiva High School in Boca Raton. The 2020 guard has put together a successful season for the Storm, averaging 18 points per game while shooting an impressive 42 percent from 3-point range. In addition, the 5-foot-11 senior has brought down 3.5 rebounds per game.
While Mamann has brought it on the court for KYHS, his drive for success began well before lacing up the shoes for the Storm on the hardwood. Similar to a blue chip prospect flying onto SportsCenter’s top plays, Mamann learned the game from humble beginnings inside of his family.
“When I was young my big brother introduced the game to me because he had always played”, said Mamann. “I’ve always loved the game of basketball since I was a young kid but I also liked playing football and soccer. As I went on to middle school I played on my school team and realized basketball was my favorite sport to play. Ever since then, I was known as the kid who always played ball. I wasn’t amazing in middle school but I could always hold my own. High school is when I picked up a serious love for the game. I realized that it was my passion and that’s what I’ve always loved and wanted to do.”
This season, Mamann has helped the Storm to a 12-9 record. Like with many high profile players, Mamann’s commitment to the game isn’t simply etched in this years winning record. While he has shined with the lights on at Katz Yeshiva, it has been whats occurred when the lights have been turned off that has made him into the player he is today.
“My big brother has been a huge influence to me,” said Mamann. “He introduced and taught me everything I know about basketball. He taught me a lot of things from a young age including skills and basketball IQ. He played in high school and went on to compete at the collegiate level. He told me that there will always be someone in the gym working harder than me but that has never settled well with me. I wanted to be the person constantly in the gym every day, early mornings, and late nights because I knew I had to become an absolute gym fanatic if I wanted to be the best.”
The senior credits his shooting and ability to drive to the basket as two strengths that has helped him into a double-digit scorer for the Storm this season. While Mamann has turned his final year for Katz Yeshiva into a success, he certainly knows he has areas to improve on if he is looking to take his game to the next level.
I am mainly trying to improve my defense,” said Mamann. “I am also trying to improve on shooting off of the dribble and finishing in the half court.”
While the athletic riches in South Florida are never ending, it is easy to forget that talent can only get you so far. While having the talent, you also have to have the maturity. Lets face it, not every player going to college has that development at a young age. In reality, most students don’t, period. However, Mamann seems to have that character trait. It is something that could be a nice incentive for a college coach looking for a player under the radar.
“Being able to compete day after day is a blessing,” said Mamann. “Mastering the craft of basketball is something I take a lot of pride in! When you put in so much hard work and time, the results are unbelievable. I am trying to become more consistent with my game. It’s a journey but it’s all worth the results.”
So yes, South Florida has talent you can turn on the TV to see everyday, but look a little deeper.
Look at places like Katz Yeshiva in Boca Raton.
A kid like Noah Mamann has a lot more to show off…
For any South Florida prep hoops news or information..please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 or follow him on twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.