Mangakahia playing professional basketball during a war

Tiana Mangakahia’s journey back to the NBL1 this season was a frightening experience. 

Mangakahia was playing professionally in Russia, playing against extremely high-level competition in her first professional season overseas. She played against WNBA All-Stars like Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas Wings) and Brittney Griner (Phoenix Mercury).

However the biggest challenge came when Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, Mangakahia decided to leave the country as quickly as she could. 

“I was in Moscow … We knew about the war, but all my Russian teammates were like ‘Ah no it’s fine, it happens all the time, nothing is actually going to happen’. And then we wake up one morning and everyone is freaking out,” she said on the Coles Express NBL1 Show. 

“My agent called me and I said I was ready to get home ‘get me the hell out’ and I came straight back [to Australia].” 

With her first-hand experience of being in Russia during the war, Mangakahia spoke about Brittney Griner’s ongoing detainment in Russia and the difficult situation she’s in. 

“I honestly cannot imagine,” she said.

“I think we all need to do what we can to advocate for her and let everybody know this is a really serious matter and that we should be doing as much as we can to get her back to her family.” 

To hear more about Mangakahia’s journey,  NBL1 season and her collegiate experience and her battle with breast cancer, watch the full Coles Express NBL1 Show on YouTube, Facebook and Kayo.