On Wednesday, May 19, 2010, Cheltenham senior Robert Mansell signed a letter of intent to accept a basketball scholarship to Binghamton University.
Robert Mansell – Binghamton University (Basketball)Major: Deciding between business and possibly education
Final list of colleges: Long Island, Quinnipiac, Prep School
Reasons for choosing Binghamton: “The fact that (former Temple star) Mark Macon was the coach and knowing he could really help with my development. I’ll probably play mainly shooting guard, and he played the same position as me, and he can teach me the nuances of that position and how to be effective at that level.”
How and why did prep school come into the equation? “A lot of schools said I was too skinny and I had to put on weight, and a year (of prep school) would really help. I was getting ready to go to prep when coach Macon called, and we worked it out that I didn’t have to, and hopefully I can step in next year and do some good things.”
How does it feel to realize your dream of playing Division One basketball? “It feels great. Just putting in all the time – I never really understood what I was really playing for, but it really paid off, and it feels great to know that someone saw that in me and was willing to give me money to come to school.
“When he (Macon) first said it, I couldn’t believe it – just give me the papers so I can sign. It was a no brainer. There’s a lot of weight off my shoulders, and I’m just ready to start working out again. I’m really excited for the next four years.”
With two brothers going on the play collegiate basketball, did you feel pressure to follow in their footsteps? “There was a lot of pressure because they went Division One, and I was a little skeptical late in the process because this school didn’t want me and that school didn’t want me. A lot of D-2 schools started calling me, and there was a lot of pressure on me to play at the Division One level.
“I would have been fine either way with it, but there was a lot of pressure.”
Coach Brian Johnson says: “He does everything on the basketball court. You can’t just say, ‘We’re not going to let Rob shoot threes.’ He’ll shoot a bunch of twos or he’ll drive to the basket and get to the free throw line. Throughout his four years, he led us in rebounding. He’s one of the top three or four in assists. He’s led us in charges taken and was at the top in terms of steals. He has the all-time mark for free throws made in a career, in a season and in a game. He’s not just a scorer. He didn’t just put 1,215 points on the board. He’s also defended some of the best players we have had in our league and in our area. It’s very difficult to put your best player on the other team’s best player, but he’s been willing to step up to the challenge.
He has a high basketball IQ, and he’s a hard worker. He really shows his leadership through his actions. When he speaks, kids listen. He’s always been very humble, and he’s been a pleasure to coach. He’s so easy. He’s not a distraction to the team. He never puts himself before the team, which for a kid of his caliber doesn’t always happen. The kids like him. He’s well-respected in the community and at Cheltenham High School.
“From a student-athlete perspective, he has gotten better academically every single marking period. He’s no different than any other kid that goes to any school in the country, particularly freshmen. They kind of struggle a little bit. He was able to understand the importance of his academic portfolio, and every marking period and every semester he got a little better. He went from where he was to now – this fourth marking period, he’s got four A’s and one B and is on pace to get straight A’s. That’s not where he started, and that’s an unbelievable accomplishment. Forget being an athlete – just being a student, and the fact that he’s a student-athlete really says a lot. Oftentimes, you hear about athletes that aren’t taking care of business in the classroom. Here’s one that is. It’s a nice feat for Cheltenham High School and for the basketball program and for Robert’s family.”
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