2004

Headed for the H Mann tabbed for EC honOrs He helped lead East Central

team at Mississ1pp1 Sta University, but after a week on the Starkville campus. he changed his mind, a deckJon ECCC men's basketball coach Marly Cooper would soon appreciate. "Signing with Mississtppl Stale was a choice I made to satisfy people because the:. thought that was where I should go," he S.!lid. "Coach Cooper called me the day I signed with State and told me if things did not work out, that he would have a spot available for me. "Well, I called Coach Cooper, who was very sick at the time, and told him I was leaving Mississippi State and wanted to come to East Central. "Attending East Central was the best choice I could have made." After leaving the 1\BA, Mann became an ordained nin– ister and he regular!) visi~ the Walnut Grove Youth Correctional Facility where he mentors to its male popula:ion.

Community College to its first state championship in men's basketball in 40 years, and earned All-American honoro in the process. He was also a member of championship .;quads in high school and on the university level, and was a top draft choice in the National Basketball Association. Marcus Mann is regarded as one the best basketball players to ever wear a Warrior uniform, 'lnd on the tenth anniversary of h1s graduation at East Central, he is being inducted into the College's Athletic Hall ofFam.e. "First of all, I was shocked :hat I was nominated and then ,eJected for the Athletic Hall of Fame, but it's a blessing I take :raciously," he said. "I'm thank– .ul of the staff at East Central C0mmunity College for think– u:: g that much of me. -East Central has played a "ltal role in my life, and is a -~hool I will always love no matter where I am." Mann. who towered above

MANN high school players with his 6- 6, 225-pound frame, led South Leake to the State Class 2A title and a 34-3 record. He was named an honorable mention All-American and received All-State honors for three consecutive years. After graduating high from school, Mann initially decided to join Coach Richard Williams'

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