Cornell is the Mann for men’s basketball

Jerry Hoffman

A former Mid-American Conference basketball player at Akron has arrived at CMU
to help sustain the growth of the Chippewa men’s basketball program.

Cornell Mann, who previously was the head varsity boys basketball coach at Oak
Park High School and assistant coach with the Michigan Mustangs AAU team, started
his duties July 2.

While at Akron, Mann was a three-year starter in addition to earning a bachelor
of arts degree in family development in 1995.

Mann immediately noticed the difference styles in coaching at the Division I level,
especially the recruiting process.

“I’m in awe of the competition in the fact that you have a large number
of schools competing to bring the same kid to a program,” Mann said.

“Some schools may stretch the rules, but it’s my job to be professional,
thorough and sell the bright spots CMU has to offer. From previous experiences,
this is recruiting to the third power.”

Before becoming the head coach at Oak Park, Mann has experience as an assistant
coach at Colby Community College in Colby, KA; Elmira College in Elmira, N.Y.;
and Ferndale High School.

During the 1998-99 season, Mann served as the interim head coach after Bill Morse
left the position.

“I was the interim head coach at Colby and had to perform all the duties
because I didn’t have an assistant,” Mann said.

“I’ve paid my dues and I’m not scared of working hard. Challenges
are the spice of life.”

With Mann’s experience and work ethic, head coach Jay Smith says Mann’s hiring
was a good fit for the program.

“We’re excited to have Cornell on our staff,” Smith said. “He
is a great addition to the program and we’re looking forward to having him
here for many great years.”

Mann is also excited to join the program and found Smith and his staff committed
to continuing last season’s success.

“It’s a lot of work learning the new stuff, but it’s great,”
Mann said. “The hard work is necessary to be successful. I also enjoy helping
young men out so that they become productive citizens in our society.”

“It’s a dream come true to coach at the Division I level and I work
for one of the best coaches in the country in Jay Smith,” Mann added.

“The coaches and staff work hard and do a lot of work behind the scenes that
people may not be aware of. They have also done a lot to help me and get me on
board.”

Last year the Chippewas posted a 20-8 record and capture the regular season MAC
crown, but Mann says he can help push the team to new heights.

“I bring toughness and discipline on and off the floor,” Mann said.

“I can also add some contacts and relationships that maybe weren’t in
place before my arrival. I’m seriously excited about being a part of CMU’s
future and being an integral part of the basketball program’s success.”

Although Mann has been here only two weeks, he has already met the team and believes
they can overcome being the marked team in the MAC.

“I’ve met with the team and they’re a great group of guys. They’re
focused and they want to win,” Mann said.

“We’ve got a great group of players coming back. If we don’t win
the MAC again, it won’t be because we didn’t work hard.”

If there one thing to know about Mann, other than that he works hard in meeting
his responsibilities, is that he likes the people at CMU and Mount Pleasant and
knows how to have fun.

“I knew when I got here, it was a family atmosphere and I’m the new
addition to the family,” Mann said.

“I’ve had the opportunity to visit CMU before when I played at Akron.
My last game was played in Rose Arena. I’ve never come to Mount Pleasant
and not had a good time.”