Anthony Lamb
October 29, 2024
Mangok Mathiang
- Nationality: AUS/SSD
- Date of Birth: 8/10/92
- Place of Birth: Melbourne (VIC)
- Position: CTR
- Height (CM): 208
- Weight (KG): 104
- Junior Assoc:
- College: Louisville (2013–2017)
- NBL DEBUT: 18/09/22
- AGE AT DEBUT: 29
- LAST NBL GAME: 4/03/24
- AGE AT LAST GAME: 31
- NBL History: Illawarra 2023 | New Zealand 2024
- Championships: 0
- None
BIO: Mangok Mathiang was born in Melbourne (VIC). He later moved to the USA where he attended IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida) as a teenager.
NBL EXPERIENCE
Mangok Mathiang made his NBL debut with the Illawarra Hawks at 29 years of age. He scored eight points in his first game.
After two consecutive seasons of reaching the NBL semi-finals, the Illawarra Hawks experienced a significant shift with the departure of head coach Brian Goorjian, who signed with the Bay Area Dragons in the East Asia Super League. Longtime assistant coach Jacob Jackomas was promoted to head coach, tasked with maintaining the team’s success. However, the Hawks faced a tumultuous season, with a mass exodus of key players leaving only Tyler Harvey and Sam Froling as holdovers from the previous rotation. Among the departures were Duop Reath (to Lebanon), Justinian Jessup (to Spain), Antonius Cleveland (to Adelaide), Xavier Rathan-Mayes (to Melbourne), Harry Froling (to Brisbane), and the retirement of AJ Ogilvy.
To fill the gaps, Illawarra signed local talents Deng Deng (via Brisbane), Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (via Perth), and Mangok Mathiang, who was returning from injury after playing in the NBL1. The roster was rounded out with imports Justin Robinson and George King.
The Hawks opened the season with a mixed start, losing to Sydney (97–106) before defeating South East Melbourne (85–72) behind Tyler Harvey’s strong 22-point performance. However, injuries plagued the team early, with Justin Robinson suffering a meniscus tear in the season opener, sidelining him for the year. Kevin White (via Perth) was signed as a short-term injury replacement. Nine games later, Illawarra released George King (10.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists) due to a persistent lower leg injury.
Former New Zealand guard Peyton Siva (9.3 points, 6.3 assists, and 1.6 steals) was signed to replace Robinson but played only 11 games before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. By mid-November, the Hawks were 1–9, relying heavily on Lachie Dent (4.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists), Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (4.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists), and injury replacement Davo Hickey (4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.0 steals). Former Perth Wildcats import Michael Frazier II was signed to bolster the roster.
The Hawks snapped a nine-game losing streak in December, defeating Melbourne (93–79) behind Sam Froling’s dominant 29-point performance, with Michael Frazier II (16 points) and Tyler Harvey (15 points) contributing. However, Frazier’s season was cut short after suffering a broken arm in a game against Adelaide. At the time of his injury, Frazier was Illawarra’s highest-scoring player, averaging 17.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.
It wasn’t until the third-to-last game of the season that Illawarra secured another win, edging New Zealand (78–76) in a thrilling finish. Tyler Harvey (25 points and 3 steals) hit a match-winning shot in the final moments, while Mathiang (15 points and 5 rebounds) provided critical support. Despite their best efforts, the Hawks ended the season with a 3–25 record, marking the worst in the club’s history. Tyler Harvey (18.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.5 steals) led the team in scoring, Sam Froling (14 points, 8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists) won the team’s MVP award, and Mangok Mathiang (7.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks) delivered consistent contributions over 25 games.
NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS
2023/24
After a season marred by challenges, Mangok Mathiang signed with the New Zealand Breakers for NBL24, joining a roster bolstered by key additions. The Breakers retained guard William McDowell-White and brought back Finn Delany from Germany. Alongside Mathiang, they signed Dane Pineau (via South East Melbourne) and Lithuanian prospect Mantas Rubstavicius under the NBL Next Star Program. The import trio of Barry Brown Jr., Jarrell Brantley, and Dererk Pardon was replaced by Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Zylan Cheatham, and Justinian Jessup.
New Zealand opened their season with a win against Cairns (98–87) but suffered a narrow loss to Brisbane (84–89). They then traveled to the USA to play the Phoenix Suns in an NBLxNBA exhibition game, falling just short in a 91–86 loss despite strong showings from Corey Webster (27 points) and Tai Wesley (15 points). Returning to league play, injuries and roster instability led to a five-game losing streak before they defeated Cairns (91–81) in November.
Mathiang (6.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks) provided a solid presence for the Breakers. His standout games included a 14-point, 9-rebound performance against Cairns, a 15-point, 11-rebound effort against Tasmania, and a 12-point, 13-rebound showing against Melbourne. Despite some struggles with foul trouble and limited minutes, Mathiang remained a key contributor for New Zealand.
The Breakers finished the regular season with a 13–15 record, advancing to the play-in tournament on points percentage. Mathiang played a pivotal role in their play-in win against Sydney (83–76), contributing 10 points and 9 rebounds. However, the Breakers fell short in their next game, losing to Illawarra (85–88) and missing out on the NBL semi-finals.
Mangok Mathiang played two seasons in the NBL, playing for both the Illawarra Hawks and the New Zealand Breakers. He averaged 7.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 0.5 assists in 55 NBL games.
NBL TOTAL STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 31 | New Zealand | 13-15 (6) | 30 | 599.7 | 201 | 182 | 11 | 61 | 121 | 11 | 36 | 30 | 88 | 83 | 148 | 56% | 0 | 0 | 0% | 35 | 62 | 56% | 57% | 56% | 17 |
| 2022-23 | 30 | Illawarra | 3-25 (10) | 25 | 464.7 | 193 | 127 | 17 | 44 | 83 | 13 | 24 | 40 | 53 | 79 | 142 | 56% | 1 | 10 | 10% | 34 | 51 | 67% | 58% | 56% | 15 | Totals | 55 | 1064 | 394 | 309 | 28 | 105 | 204 | 24 | 60 | 70 | 141 | 162 | 290 | 55.9% | 1 | 10 | 10.0% | 69 | 113 | 61.1% | 58% | 56% | 17 |
NBL PER GAME STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 31 | New Zealand | 13-15 (6) | 30 | 20.0 | 6.7 | 6.1 | 0.4 | 2.0 | 4.0 | 0.4 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 2.9 | 2.8 | 4.9 | 56% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0% | 1.2 | 2.1 | 56% | 57% | 56% | 17 |
| 2022-23 | 30 | Illawarra | 3-25 (10) | 25 | 18.6 | 7.7 | 5.1 | 0.7 | 1.8 | 3.3 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 1.6 | 2.1 | 3.2 | 5.7 | 56% | 0.0 | 0.4 | 10% | 1.4 | 2.0 | 67% | 58% | 56% | 15 | Total | 55 | 19.4 | 7.2 | 5.6 | 0.5 | 1.9 | 3.7 | 0.4 | 1.1 | 1.3 | 2.6 | 2.9 | 5.3 | 55.9% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 10.0% | 0.0 | 0.2 | 61.1% | 58% | 56% | 17 |
CAREER HIGHS
| POINTS | REBOUNDS | ASSISTS | STEALS | BLOCKS | TURNOVERS | TRIPLE DOUBLES | 17 | 14 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
|---|
STATE LEAGUE EXPERIENCE
In 2022, Mathiang played four games with the Casey Cavaliers in NBL1 South and averaged 18 points and 8.5 rebounds.
FIBA EXPERIENCE
Mathiang was a part of the South Sudans first ever national team to qualify for the FIBA World Cup. The Bright Stars, who competed in the 2023 tournament made history again on August 28 when South Sudan earned its first World Cup victory with a dominant win over China in Manila, Philippines.
South Sudan would qualify for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris by finishing as the best African team in the World Cup by beating Angola in their final game. This will be their first-ever Olympics.
FIBA TOTAL STATISTICS
| YEAR | AGE | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 32 | 4 | 112 | 2 | 32 | 6 | 12 | 20 | 4 | 4 | 12 | 10 | 18 | 36 | 50.0% | 4 | 10 | 40.0% | 12 | 18 | 66.7% | Total | 4 | 112 | 2 | 32 | 6 | 12 | 20 | 4 | 4 | 12 | 10 | 18 | 36 | 50% | 4 | 10 | 40% | 12 | 18 | 67% |
FIBA PER GAME STATISTICS
| YEAR | AGE | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 32 | 4 | 28.0 | 0.5 | 8.0 | 1.5 | 3.0 | 5.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 3.0 | 2.5 | 4.5 | 9.0 | 50.0% | 1.0 | 2.5 | 40.0% | 3.0 | 4.5 | 66.7% | Total | 4 | 28.0 | 0.5 | 8.0 | 1.5 | 3.0 | 5.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 3.0 | 2.5 | 4.5 | 9.0 | 50% | 1.0 | 2.5 | 40% | 3.0 | 4.5 | 67% |
NBA EXPERIENCE
Mathiang played 4 games in the NBA. He averaged 2 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0 assists per game over his NBA career.
NBA TRANSACTIONS:
- August 2, 2017: Signed a two-way contract with the Charlotte Hornets.
-
August 15, 2018: Waived by the Charlotte Hornets.
-
| Season | Team | PTS | AST | STL | BLK | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 57% | 40% | 53% | 95% | ||||||
| 2 | 0 | 17 | 4 | 2 | 4 | ||||||
| Total | 162 | 290 | 55.9% | 1 | 10 | 10.0% |
NBA TOTAL STATISTICS
| YEAR | AGE | TEAM | POS | GP | GS | MINS | PTS | TRB | AST | ORB | DRB | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | 25 | Charlotte | C | 4 | 0 | 20 | 8 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 7 | 57% | 0 | 0 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 0% | 54% | 57% | Total | 4 | 0 | 20 | 8 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 7 | 57% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
NBA PER GAME STATISTICS
| YEAR | AGE | TEAM | POS | GP | GS | MINS | PTS | TRB | AST | ORB | DRB | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | 25 | Charlotte | C | 4 | 0 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 0.0 | 0.8 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 1.8 | 57% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0% | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0% | 54% | 57% | Total | 4 | 0 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 0.8 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 1.8 | 57% | 0.3 | 0% |
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Korea - Kogas (2025)
In 2025, Mathiangsigned with Korean club Kogas Pegasus but left only a fewgames into the season due to an ongoing ankle injury.
COLLEGE
Mangok Mathiang played college basketball for the University of Louisville Cardinals from 2013–14 through 2016–17, after sitting out the 2012–13 season due to NCAA eligibility rules related to his international move. During his time at Louisville, he appeared in 114 games with 44 starts, primarily as a forward/center who provided rebounding, rim protection and physical defence in Rick Pitino’s rotation.
In his freshman season (2013–14), Mathiang played in all 37 games with 14 starts, averaging 3.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game, and he led the team in blocked shots while finishing seventh in the American Athletic Conference in blocks per contest. He also played in all three of Louisville’s NCAA Tournament games that year, contributing six points, seven rebounds and five blocks as the Cardinals advanced to the Sweet 16.
As a sophomore (2014–15), Mathiang appeared in 34 games with nine starts and again averaged 1.4 blocks per game, ranking sixth in the Atlantic Coast Conference in blocked shots. He also posted a team-high mark in contested rebounds in numerous outings and scored season-high totals against Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh.
During his junior year (2015–16), Mathiang was named a team captain for the second straight season and averaged 7.1 points and 5.7 rebounds in 18.8 minutes per game before a foot injury (a broken fifth metatarsal) on December 19, 2015 ended his season early; he missed the final 21 games. He had produced five double-doubles for Australia while competing for his national team at the 2015 World University Games, where he led the event in rebounding and finished tied for eighth in scoring.
Mathiang’s senior season (2016–17) was the most productive of his NCAA career, as he averaged 7.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 20.8 minutes per game across 33 appearances, with 19 starts. His inside presence was key to Louisville’s 25–9 record and strong ACC performance, and he reached career highs in playing time and production while anchoring the Cardinals’ frontcourt defence.
Over his full college career, Mathiang finished with 551 points, 546 rebounds and 146 blocks while shooting 51.2 percent from the field (413–for–806) and not attempting a three-pointer, establishing a reputation as a defensive and rebounding specialist. He also earned All-ACC Academic Team honours in 2015 and 2016, reflecting strong performance off the court.
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