.jpg)
5 hours ago
3
Hansel Enmanuel has been defying odds and expectations since he first picked up a basketball. The Dominican-born guard, who lost his left arm in a childhood accident, went viral in 2021 for his gravity-defying dunks, no-look passes and smooth shooting touch against elite high-school competition. His story of perseverance captivated millions and quickly made him one of the most recognizable names in basketball. For a deeper dive into Enmanuel’s story, read Daniel Chavkin’s feature for The Sporting News.
This summer, Enmanuel was back in the spotlight after social media rumors falsely claimed he had signed to the Houston Rockets’ Summer League roster, a story later clarified by The Sporting News after we spoke with his agent, Jhoancy Zapata. Instead of chasing the noise, Enmanuel went quiet and went to work.
That work paid off Monday night when the senior guard helped Austin Peay State University open its season with a record-breaking 128-47 victory over Bryan College.
In just 17 minutes, Enmanuel recorded seven points, six rebounds, two blocks and two steals on 2-for-3 shooting. His six rebounds tied for the team high, as the Governors shattered program records with 20 made threes, 33 assists and 24 steals in the blowout win.
In a phone interview with The Sporting News, Austin Peay head coach Corey Gipson said Enmanuel’s development has always gone far beyond the numbers.
“You know, my thing with all of our guys, I want them to grow in the area of being able to get their degree,” Gipson said. “Hansel is a guy that I’m going on coaching for year four now, and so probably my proudest moment will be him walking across the stage with his diploma.”
Gipson emphasized that his program measures growth by who players become after basketball ends.
“The maturation that I’m looking for is not always what young men do while they’re with me,” he said. “It’s what they do years after they leave, what they’re doing with their degree, how they impact other people. Hansel plays with a lot of passion. He’s very impactful when he plays with that passion, and he’s been playing that way ever since he was a freshman.”
That passion was on full display Monday. Whether it was battling for rebounds, sprinting in transition or deflecting passes on defense, Enmanuel’s energy left an impression that stretched far beyond the box score.
For Gipson, who’s in his third year leading his alma mater, Enmanuel embodies the selfless, family-oriented culture the Governors have cultivated since his staff’s days at Northwestern State.
“He was at Northwestern State with us and then transferred here,” Gipson said. “That shows a tremendous commitment to the brotherhood and the family we have.”
“He’s the only player on this staff who started with us at Northwestern State and will finish his career here at Austin Peay. Early in his career, we talked about accomplishing something together, to play in the postseason with some dancing shoes, and this is our last chance to see that through.”
When asked to describe Enmanuel in one word, Gipson didn’t hesitate.
“He’s the chosen one,” he said confidently. Mentioning that when anyone asks that about Enmanuel that is always his answer.
When asked why, he simply replied:
“You’ve got to ask God that question.”
Enmanuel finished second on the team in blocks last season and enters his senior year with a growing role and even greater confidence. While his one-armed dunks and highlight plays will always draw attention, Gipson believes his true story is one of faith, humility and resilience.
Austin Peay will travel to Colorado to face Air Force on Nov. 8, continuing a five-game road stretch. For Enmanuel and the Governors, the goal remains the same as it was when this journey began: to keep growing, keep believing and maybe, be in some “dancing shoes” when March rolls around.
English (US)