The WNBL’s first standalone preseason tournament, the Townsville Tip Off, is currently underway and today, the league is announcing the tournament’s MVP award will be named in honour of the late Tiana Mangakahia – a much-loved figure in basketball who recently passed away at the age of 30 following a courageous battle with breast cancer.
Tiana’s story is one of resilience, determination and an unwavering love for the game. From her WNBL debut in 2011 to standout seasons with Townsville Fire and Sydney Flames, she inspired teammates, coaches and fans alike.
Tiana became a college sensation at Syracuse University, where she was named to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) First-Team twice in back-to-back seasons. In the 2018/19 season, she led the Orange to their most successful season on record with 25 wins and 9 losses.
She went on to spend a training camp with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury in 2021 before needing to turn her focus on her health.
This year, Tiana made a remarkable return to the court with the Southern Districts Spartans in the NBL1 North, where she led her team to a Grand Finals Series.
Off the court, Tiana gave back to the sport she loved through coaching roles with the Sydney Flames and the NBL1 East’s Sutherland Sharks, where she mentored the next generation of stars with the same passion and joy that defined her player career.
The Mangakahia Award will be presented to the player who demonstrates the same grit, determination and passion which defines Tiana’s legacy.
Votes will be submitted by the Head and Lead Assistant Coach of all eight teams at the end of each game on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis.
In addition, a team will also be announced as the inaugural Townsville Tip Off tournament winner, determined by the following points system:
3 points to the team that wins the game
1 point to the team that wins the scoring in each quarter
0.5 points to both teams for a drawn quarter
0 points for winning overtime periods
The team that finishes on top of the standings at the conclusion of all games will be crowned the winners for the 2025 Townsville Tip-Off.
The Townsville Tip Off ‘25 starts today, Friday 26 September, and sees eight games over three days. For tickets and everything you need to know about the event click here.